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...social responsibility is as important as environmental responsibility. Fair trade means a fair price. Short supply chains and use of appropriate technology

Fair Trade

>>We believe that social responsibility is as important as environmental responsibility.
>>Our products are sweatshop free and we only deal with producers who have ethical labour practices.
>>Where possible, we use local expertise and talent to produce our products.
>>We aim to minimise the distance that we transport our products.
>>Our vision is one of sustainability and growth in the economy at the local level, and the promotion of fair trade at the regional and global level.

Sweatshop free

Fair trade means sweatshop free, access to education, clean water, safety in the workplace, housing and medical support.

A fair price

Fair trade means that a fair price is paid to the grower of a commodity crop such as cotton or coffee.

Fair trade producers normally buy raw commodities directly from a co-op of growers or directly from an individual grower. This means that buyers have a better understanding of the unique position each grower is in.

Prices are guaranteed at above the world market rate, that is, a premium (15-30%) is paid direct to the grower rather than to a third party to allow investment in sustainable production.

Short supply chains

Short supply chains cutting out the middle men means that more money (fair payment) goes directly to producers.

Commodities are processed into finished products ready for sale without passing through numerous different hands in a dozen different countries.

Short supply chains reduce transportation needs thereby positively impacting on the environment.

Use of appropriate technology

Fair trade encourages the use of appropriate technology such as organic farming methods which leads to a sustainable income.