Just what is Fair trade?

Fair trade is  an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability It was set up in 1992,and by giving them a fair wage and market price for their produce it enabled the workers from the developing world to enjoy a more dignified lifestyle. Producers are tested on social, economical and environmental factors.

Cheryl Sloan, marketing director of the Fair trade Foundation, said: "It is very encouraging that UK consumers continue to be very receptive to Fair trade and show high levels of awareness, familiarity and purchasing.

I am very proud to say that my suppliers at Organic Baby Clothes Direct support fair trade.The Fair Trade Association ensures a guaranteed minimum price for produce that is agreed to by producers and MUST NEVER fall below market price. There are a wide range of support mechanisms in place to ensure that the front line farmers receive support in the social, economic and environmental projects. This includes providing pre-financiing where needed, building long term relationships between the suppliers.

You may well ask what part the BIG companies are playing? Well certainly, with climate change and an ever increasing awareness of environmental issues, companies are compelled to show responsibility and really the support for Fair Trade has never been stronger. Indeed one in five consumers said they "punished" companies they believed were socially irresponsible by not shopping with them, according to a new study.

A survey of 1,500 people by the Fairtrade Foundation also found that one in three shoppers were likely to give business to companies for being socially responsible.
Almost nine out of 10 of those questioned said they expected workers in developing countries to receive fair pay and conditions.

Women were more likely to be motivated by feelings of doing good when they bought products, said the report, adding that the Fairtrade mark came top as the most trusted certification label.
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"Fairtrade is clearly no longer a fringe sector within retail, but companies should also take note that shoppers are prepared to send a very strong message to them about their global accountability."
More than half of those surveyed expressed concern about human rights, poverty in developing countries and worker exploitation.

Visit www.organicbabyclothesdirect.com  to see beautiful natural organic and fair trade clothes and accessories for all the precious babies out there

Best Wishes
Jacqueline

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