Let’s get started on discussing something that is fundamental to all developing countries and that is fair trade. It featured in the run up to G8 Gleneagles Meeting in 2005 but has tended to drift back into ‘the jobs to be done’ file amongst world leaders.

The principles of Fair Trade are based on the practical and shared experience of Fair Trade organisations over many years and reflect the diversity of Fair Trade relationships. The most important of these are unique to Fair Trade and are integral to its developmental objectives. These include:

* Market Access for Marginalised Producers-

Many producers are excluded from mainstream and added-value markets, or only access them via lengthy and inefficient trading chains. Fair trade helps producers realise the social benefits to their communities of traditional forms of production. By promoting these values (that are not generally recognised in conventional markets) it enables buyers to trade with producers who would otherwise be excluded from these markets. It also helps shorten trade chains so that producers receive more from the final selling price of their goods than is the norm in conventional trade via multiple intermediaries.

* Sustainable and Equitable Trading Relationships-

The economic basis of transactions within Fair Trade relationships takes account of all costs of production, both direct and indirect, including the safeguarding of natural resources and meeting future investment needs. Trading terms offered by Fair Trade buyers enable producers and workers to maintain a sustainable livelihood; that is one that not only meets day-to-day needs for economic, social and environmental wellbeing but that also enables improved conditions in the future. Prices and payment terms (including prepayment where required) are determined by assessment of these factors rather than just reference to current market conditions. There is a commitment to a long-term trading partnership that enables both sides to co-operate through information sharing and planning, and the importance of these factors in ensuring decent working conditions is recognised.

* Capacity Building & Empowerment-

Fair Trade relationships assist producer organisations to understand more about market conditions and trends and to develop knowledge, skills and resources to exert more control and influence over their lives.

* Consumer Awareness Raising & Advocacy-

Fair Trade relationships provide the basis for connecting producers with consumers and for informing consumers of the need for social justice and the opportunities for change. Consumer support enables Fair Trade Organisations to be advocates and campaigners for wider reform of international trading rules, to achieve the ultimate goal of a just and equitable global trading system.

You may ike to think about:
crisps - are the low fat, low salt variety available in your country? If not it might be that the producers are relying on a lack of consumer awareness to allow them to market goods that are harmful to health.
coke - do the distibutors tell you that each can contains almost 5 treaspoonfuls of sugar? If not just what is it doing to the teeth of drinkers, especially the young?
shampoos and toiletries - do the producers tell you of the chemicals in the products and what they might do to your scalp or other parts of your body?

As young leaders you can play a vital role in informing consumers and so improving their ability to select with awareness - knowledge is power.
john