Conference calls for ‘David Attenborough’ Blue Planet moment on trade

19 October 2018

Delegates at a high-profile conference on trade call for a fundamental shift in consumers’ understanding of the lives of famers and producers in the developing world.

The call to arms came from Michael Fletcher, Retail Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op, during a Fairtrade conference at the Crystal in East London on October 10. Michael Fletcher addressed the true impacts of unfair trade and the harm this is causing for communities around the world, encouraging the public to see this the same way Blue Planet showed the impact of plastic on the world’s oceans.

Other delegates, including Fairtrade CEO Michael Gidney, agreed that consumers needed to have their eyes opened to the plight of the farmers and consumers who toil to make the products, such as coffee, bananas and tea, which we take for granted.

The conference, entitled ‘The Future of Trade: Can it work for everyone?’ brought together Fairtrade supporters, producers, commercial partners and NGOs to discuss and debate critical topics such as gender equality in global trade, the future of transparency in supply chains, climate change adaptation and how to achieve living incomes for producers. Delegates heard from Fairtrade producers and farmers who spoke passionately about the impact of Fairtrade.

The recent crash in coffee prices has shown the fragility of global trading systems and demonstrated the urgent need for action. The crash means that the price farmers receive for the crop is less than cost of production. Fairtrade farmers are protected from the volatility of the market by the Fairtrade minimum price, which guarantees them a price above the cost of production as well as an additional sum of money, in the form of the Fairtrade premium, paid on every kg sold on Fairtrade terms.

Michael Gidney, Fairtrade Foundation CEO, said: “Fairtrade is nearly 25-years-old and in that time we have made great strides in improving the lives of millions of farmers and producers across the developing world. However, we know that much more needs to be done.

“Issues like gender inequality, child labour, modern slavery and climate change are entrenched in a global system of trade that is still rigged against farmers and workers. To tackle these challenges we must work together.

“It is wonderful to see so much passion and desire for change from commercial partners and campaigners. We will not rest until we create a world where everyone receives fair pay for hard day’s work and a decent price for his or her crop.”

Michael Fletcher, Co-op Retail Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Fairtrade is the gold standard of ethical labels. Consumers tell us this, governing bodies tell us this and Fairtrade producers tell us this. Anything else frankly, falls short.

“Consumers aren’t aware of the issues that exist. Those that are, find it difficult to make informed choices due to the varying schemes which retailers and brands support, with the most vulnerable in our food chain paying the greatest price for this confusion.

“There’s clearly more work to be done in helping everyone understand exactly what Fairtrade stands for. That means ending the proliferation of ethical labels and putting our full weight behind a conversation about global fairness.”?

Support for Fairtrade has never been stronger. Fairtrade sales in the UK grew by 7% in 2017, while the international market has grown by 15% every year for the last 30 years. Meanwhile 91% of consumers in the UK are aware of the Fairtrade mark with 80% saying they trust it.

Paul Chandler, Member Nominated Director at Co-op, said: “Fairtrade has done a remarkable job in raising consumer awareness of issues around ethics in supply chains. I am proud that Co-op has long been a pioneer among retailers in using and promoting the Fairtrade Mark. As we look ahead it is clear that addressing the challenges of trade and environmental justice are going to be crucial in securing the future of food supplies. So it is great that Co-op is continuing to build on its extensive work and leadership in this field.”

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Kirsty Rushby
Press & Media Relations Manager - Retail
0161 692 1906 / 07834 090 014
Kirsty.rushby@coop.co.uk
coop.co.uk