What you consume affects others.
The livelihoods of hundreds of millions of farmers around the world are dependent on production of basic commodities like coffee and cocoa. While consumers pay increasingly more for these, the prices middlemen pay for raw products have fallen and farming families reap the consequences.
Poor farmers literally pour their blood, sweat and tears into harvesting crops that will scarcely bring in enough money to feed their families. Barely able to survive, parents must make decisions about their expenses, including schooling, in many cases requiring their children to help on the farm to increase their productive capacity.
That’s not fair.
Consumers can advocate for change.
We all need to promote change in international trade because it’s unacceptable that producers in poorer countries do not receive fair prices for their goods.
You can start by making sure you purchase and drink only Fairtrade coffee. Only then can you be sure that your flat white or long black is a positive experience for both you and its producer. Register your commitment here and go in the draw to win a year’s supply of Peoples Coffee.
Fairtrade ensures farmers get paid a decent amount for what they produce. It forms a transparent chain between consumers and producers, and keeps each link in the chain accountable.
The Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (World Vision is a member), together with other international organizations, works to ensure producers get paid a fair price. This allows communities to improve schools, health centers and methods of production, helping them to continue to develop.
Fair trade is a growing movement. So far in New Zealand you can purchase chocolate, coffee, handicrafts, spices, sugar and tea. Some Fairtrade garments and accessories, like t-shirts and bags are also making an entry to the market.
Checking for the FAIRTRADE Label is a quick way of making sure your purchase is helping families, not hurting them.
More information about stockist's is available from Fair Trade Association of Australia and NZ.
Fairtrade as aid
World Vision promotes Fairtrade because we know the difference it makes for people in developing nations – and we’re working closely with the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ) to see Fairtrade go from niche to mainstream.
Why? Because fair trade is a strong complement to World Vision’s development work. It ensures farmers earn enough to support their families – which can mean safe water to drink, enough food to eat and an education for children.
In developed countries, World Vision is working with FTAANZ and other agencies to educate people about the goods they consume, and how to make choices that can help lift people in developing nations out of poverty. Meanwhile in those countries, we’re seeding and developing Fairtrade cooperatives, educating communities about production and trade, and helping to increase their access to international markets.
