b uilding c hange : the f air t rade movement from local to global by:
TRANSCRIPT
BUILDING CHANGE: THE FAIR TRADE MOVEMENT FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL
By:
WHY FAIR TRADE?
Because: In a matter of years there will be 9 billion people
on this planet Social issues and poverty continue to dominate
the landscape globally Environmental degradation continues to increase
at astounding rates Our economic model is collapsing beneath us We need a new business model and approach to
global trade
A FEW REASONS FOR THIS STATE
We are stuck in a rut We are hemmed in by old ways of thinking
and old ways of trading, doing business, manufacturing and producing
Our governments refuse to address the realities of today, nor the realities of tomorrow
We now view the world for what it can’t be rather than for what it can
WHAT FAIR TRADE IS TRYING TO DO ABOUT IT
Empower producers to take a stance Empower consumers to make informed
choices Bring business in line with the realities of our
social and environmental world Drive change from the bottom up
GOALS FAIR TRADE IS SEEKING TO ACHIEVE
Equalized global trading system Equal opportunity
Access to health, safety and fair pay Economic stability Environmental sustainability
BARRIERS FAIR TRADE SEEKS TO OVERCOME
For producers Access to markets and global pricing Access to tools and resourcesFor Consumers Access to information - Addressed through
traceability, allowing individuals to vote with their dollar
For businesses Instability, uncertainty and risk - Providing
stability and assurance
HOW DOES IT DO THIS?
STEP 1 – BY CREATING STABILITY
STEP 2 – BY SIMPLIFYING SUPPLY CHAINS BYCREATING DIRECT RELATIONSHIPS WITH PRODUCERS
Conventional
Local Farmers
Transporter
Exporter
Broker
Importer
Roaster
Distributor
Retailer
Local Farmers
Cooperative
Importer
Roaster
Retailer
Fair Trade
STEP 3 – BY STRENGTHENING THE VOICE OF PRODUCERS THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE SYSTEM
STEP 4 – BY ENSURING THAT THE PRINCIPLES OF PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY ARE ADHERED TO
The cooperative system means each member has a voice
Decisions and plans for the community are made democratically
Opportunities for capacity building are created
STEP 5 – BY BUILDING DIRECT & LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS BACK INTO THE SYSTEM
STEP 6 – BY PROTECTING WORKERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FARMING METHODS
STEP 7 – BY STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SOCIAL PREMIUMS
20 cents per pound of coffee
$1 premium per box of bananas
that benefit the communities
WHERE COOPS INVEST IN EDUCATION
WHERE COOPS INVEST IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS
WHERE COOPS INVEST IN TRAINING
WHERE COOPS INVEST IN EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY
HOW DID ALL OF THIS GET STARTED?
HISTORY OF THE SOCIAL MOVEMENT 40’s/50’s - Handicrafts 60’s – Trade not aid campaigns – Oxfam UK 70’s – Alternate trading models established
between buyer and seller 80’s/90’s - Gradual shift into agricultural
goods begins – Labeling and certification become established
2000’s – Grass roots continues to be driving force behind Fair Trade Business begins to see increased demand from
consumers While view Fair Trade as a more stable way to do
business
EVENTUALLY LEADING TO AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
WHAT ASSURANCES ARE THERE?
HISTORY OF LABELLING AND CERTIFICATION
88 – The Max Havelaar labelling Initiative begins in the Netherlands
90’s – Other Labelling Initiatives spring up in different parts of the world
97/98 – Labelling Initiatives come together as global partnership – International Fair Trade Label Organization (FLO) created
2002 – Fairtrade International Mark launched
THE GLOBAL FAIR TRADE SYSTEM
Companies
Products
There are now 27 Organizations – 19 Labelling Initiatives, 3 Associate Members and 5 Marketing Organizations
There are now 3 Producer Networks made up of over 1.2 Million producers in 64 countries
CERTIFICATION
Supply Chain Verification Transparency, traceability and accountability Providing risk management
Opportunity to buy and conduct business in an ethical and Fair way
Become part of a global system Use of the worlds most globally recognized
ethical seal
STANDARDS Fair Trade Minimum Price Pre-Harvest Credit Payment of a Fair Trade Premium Fair and Safe Working Conditions Stability and Guarantee:
Direct Relationship Long term relationships Contracts:
Transparency, accountability and Traceability Environmental sustainability:
Safeguarding of natural resources Environmental responsibility
Opportunity: Creating economic opportunity Capacity building
Gender Equity
WHAT ROLE DOES CIVIL SOCIETY PLAY IN ALL OF THIS?
CIVIL SOCIETY HAS BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SOCIAL MOVEMENT
Partnerships, relationships, networking and making connections
Building, organizing and coordinating the movement
Driving the demand – Creating the markets
TAKING TANGIBLE STEPS FORWARD
BY TAKING A DIVERSE APPROACH
Vancouver
Toronto
Montreal
Calgary
Edmonton
Winnipeg
Ottawa
Regina
Saskatoon
Quebec
St. John
FrederictonHalifax
Charlottetown
Canadian Fair Trade Network
BY GETTING ORGANIZED
BY LOOKING FOR STRATEGIC INPUTS THAT CREATE SYSTEMIC OR CASCADING CHANGE
BY UTILIZING LEVERAGE POINTS
BY PUSHING, SUPPORTING AND CREATING NEW BUSINESS MODELS
FINAL REMARKS
Change is possible
Working together will ensure we will get to where we need to get to
Thank you for your time