Whether it be their morning coffee, afternoon cuppa, banana, chocolate, or their T-shirt, The Fair Trade Association of Australia & New Zealand (FTAANZ) is hoping consumers will swap their normal wares for a fair trade alternative.

Running from May 7-22, Fair Trade Fortnight highlights the difference fair trade makes to the lives of more than six million farmers, workers, artisans, their families and communities in 58 developing countries.

By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which never fall lower than the market price) workers can be assured they will be paid a fair price for their produce.

Additionally, a fair trade premium is paid on top of the agreed fair trade price for investment in local social, environmental or economic development projects, decided on by producers within the farmers’ organisation or by workers on a plantation.

FTAANZ CEO Stephen Knapp says buying products that bear the Fairtrade Label ensure farmers and workers in developing countries are getting a fair deal. “The Fairtrade Label on a product means it has met internationally recognised Fairtrade Certification standards which – unlike any other third-party certification system –empowers developing-country farmers and workers to take control over their lives, get a fairer deal and create opportunities for their communities.”
 


“Fairtrade Certification for products like tea, coffee, chocolate and cotton provide farmers with access to fair and stable prices as well as additional funds through the Fairtrade Premium to invest in everyday things for their business and communities,” Knapp says. “This means these communities can send their children to school, access health-care facilities, invest in organic farming practices, or simply build a road to get their produce to market.”

Retail sales have been growing rapidly in both Australia and New Zealand, reaching AU$23 million and NZ$10 million per annum respectively.

Head to fairtradefortnight.com for more information.