Welcome, compassionate viewers, to another episode of Good People, Good Works.
Today
we’ll explore the concept of fair trade, which uses fair pricing to
promote just, sustainable commerce between farmers and workers in
developing nations and companies in the developed world.
Fair
trade items are consumer products such as tea, flowers and cotton goods
produced in an environmentally friendly manner by growers and producers
in developing nations who enjoy decent working conditions and receive
fair market value for the fruits of their work.
The concept of
fair trade has existed for over 40 years; but it was not until 1988
that the first Fairtrade labeled product was released, and since then a
formal certification program has been established.
The popularity
of Fairtrade branded goods has skyrocketed, with over US$2.5 billion
spent globally on such items in 2007, aiding seven-million people in 58
developing countries.
Today’s guest is Harriet Lamb, Executive
Director of the Fairtrade Foundation UK, who will provide insights into
Fairtrade’s philosophy and how the Foundation has bettered the lives of
people around the world.
Harriet Lamb (f): Fairtrade is a
citizen’s movement for change, connecting producers in developing
countries with people over here who buy their products to make sure
that farmers and workers really do get a fair deal for their products.