Fairtrade & Local Produce
Fairtrade
Fairtrade is concerned with ensuring better prices, improved working conditions, fair trade terms for workers and farmers, and local sustainability in the developing world.
The scheme is run by the Fairtrade Foundation and ensures that companies pay prices which never fall below the market price. Fairtrade attempts to stamp out the unfairness of normal trade, which takes advantage of the weakest and poorest producers. The scheme allows these producers to improve their lives by improving their status and situation, and by giving them more power over their lives (Fairtrade Foundation, 2010).
The Fairtrade scheme has proved highly successful. In 2007, global sales of Fairtrade certified products increased by 47% compared to the previous year, with £1.6bn being spent. Over 7 million people, including workers, farmers and their families, were directly benefited by this in 58 developing countries. To be certified, producers must meet a series of minimum social, economic and environmental standards. Continuous improvement of farmers’ organisations or working conditions is also a requirement which is continuously monitored (Fairtrade Foundation, 2010).
The Students Union also stocks a wide variety of Fairtrade goods thoughout its outlets including the Union Shop, The Kiln and Harveys.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/FairtradeFoundation?ref=ts
Fairtrade Policy
AquAid
KUSU also hold a certificate from AquAid as we use water coolers from one of their local distributers.
From the AquAid website: "Our association over the years with Christian Aid and Pump Aid has
enabled us to provide fresh drinking water for millions of people
throughout the Third World. However, we have also long recognized the
need to respect the world we live in, and the very real environmental
damage that threatens this planet's existence."
More information can be found at the following websites:
www.aquaid.co.uk
www.christianaid.org.uk
www.pumpaid.org