Fair Trade part 3

Below are the last 5 reasons to support fair trade from the handout I was given on Thursday.

6) Protect the environment. Fair trade supports small farmers who use land more efficiently and in a more environmentally-friendly way. It also helps farmers make the transitions to organic farming and the use of more sustainable techniques.

7) Promote democracy. Fair trade producers and workers belong to democratically-run cooperatives and community organizations. To function successfully, these cooperatives must be open and transparent in their operations. This helps foster grassroots democracy in many countries where many citizens have little experience participating in the democratic process.

8) Provide a long-term solution. One of the tenets of fair trade is that buyers and producers build long term partnerships. Unlike aid, which is dependent on donors, fair trade offers a more sustainable way for farmers, artisans, and their families to improve their livelihoods.

9) Prevent illegal drug crops. Low coffee prices mean that many coffee farmers cannot make a living on growing coffee alone. This has pushed many coffee farmers to start growing crops such as Coca and chat which are destined for the illegal drug  trade. By providing a fair price for coffee, fewer farmers need to switch to growing coca or chat.

10) Promote economic stability. In most developing countries, the majority of the workforce is engaged in agricultural activities. Buying Fair Trade Certified products helps to support small scale agriculture. This can increase a country's food security making it less dependent on foreign imports. The extra income from fair trade products can also help stimulate rural economies.

I hope after reading these 10 reasons that you will make an effort to support fair trade. It is a great way to even out the economic playing field and help decrease illegal drug production crops. Most of all every item you buy can help someone break the cycle of poverty.