What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a global initiative which aims to ensure that farmers in developing (Third World) countries get a fair price for their goods and aren’t exploited. Producers of crops such as coffee, tea, cocoa and rice are paid a fair price based on market value and offered long-term contracts to guarantee a sustainable livelihood. Fair Trade fosters sustainable development.  It strives for social justice, economic development, environmental protection and the maintenance of cultural diversity. The credibility of Fair Trade is ensured by independent inspections and control.

Small farmers are significantly disadvantaged when it comes to operating in world markets.  They usually lack access to market information (eg pricing), transport and infrastructure to get their goods to a market of their choice.  The consequence of this is that they are completely reliant on middlemen to come and purchase their product at their ‘farmgate’.  Without any knowledge of world market prices and the lack of resources to seek out other buyers, they have little power to negotiate and are often exploited.  There are few alternatives for many farmers and to survive, some turn to the cultivation of narcotic substances, child labour, migration to the slums of major cities or emigration.

Why Should We Support It?

The Bible has many references to God calling his people to execute justice and righteousness in all their dealings and to protect the interests of the poor and needy:

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.  Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4

See also Proverbs 21:3 & Micah 6:8

God calls us to love each other as we love ourselves and in Matthew 25:40 He says “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  As every human on Earth is a child of God, we are all brothers and therefore must treat each other as such; with dignity, respect and justice.  The Fair Trade movement strives to help ‘the least of these brothers of mine’, the children of God who are disadvantaged and exploited, to get a fair deal and a chance at a better life.

The Salvation Army was raised up by God to work with disadvantaged people and since 1882 has worked internationally with some of the poorest people in the world.

“The Salvation Army from its earliest days has worked amongst people who have suffered discrimination and have been subjected to poverty and hardship.  Information received recently indicated that in the early 1900’s a decision was taken by The Salvation Army in Australia to import Sri Lankan Tea as a ‘fair trade’ exercise to support and empower developing world projects.” Letter to Salvationists from Territorial Commander, Commissioner Les Strong 16 Nov 2007

Engaging in the Fair Trade movement is a way that individuals and corps can contribute in a simple and practical way to the well-being of people who are at risk of exploitation.  We all feel sad when we see starving African kids on TV, but now it’s time to put our money where our mouth is and take all possible steps to protect farmers and their workers in Third World countries.

 Click here for more detailed information on Fair Trade
or for an overview visit justsalvos.com