Fair Trade

Fairtrade ensures producers are paid fairly for their work, thereby lifting people out of poverty and aiding in sustainable development. Fairtrade creates social & economic opportunities for producers and workers who have been exploited, disadvantaged or marginalised by the conventional trading system.

A number of Greater Manchester local authorities have made Fairtrade a priority. Some have become Fairtrade boroughs, others provide lists of cafes and shops where Fairtrade produce is available, and in others independent Fairtrade groups have set up. Have a look at the Leading by Example box for information about your borough, to join a group and find outlets near you (though the larger multi-national retailers & coffee shops wouldn't meet our sustainable food definition).

Trading fairly is also something we need to think more about with regards to UK farmers because:

• Farmland ownership is becoming more and more concentrated with small farmers disappearing. (1)
• In 2010 the average (median) age of farmers in the UK  was 58. (2)
• A 1/4 of farming households live below the official poverty line with an income of less than £20,000. (3)