Fair Trade

Fair Trade is a global movement that aims to educate and empower members of the community to use their consumer choices to the benefit of the poor.

Fair Trade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fair Trade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

Why Fair Trade?

Current international trade practices can disadvantage those in developing countries, as profits are unlikely to return to the farmer or original producer.

For small farmers, access to market or price information is difficult and as a result, many become increasingly dependent on middlemen and receive smaller returns for their work. In bad times, many lose their only property—their land—and thus, their livelihoods.

Consequently many plantation workers endure low pay, unsafe working environments and poor living conditions. Too often they lack the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Fair Trade is about empowering producers in developing countries:

● By paying producers and workers fair prices for their work
● By helping producers gain the skills and knowledge to develop their businesses
● Empowering producers to operate in the global economy
● By challenging unfair trading practices

Why don’t you make the change and give it a fair go?

A Fair Trade Council

Adelaide City Council has now become the first capital City Council in Australia to be granted Fair Trade status, as we are serious about taking the lead on Fair Trade. Council hopes to bring together local City businesses, schools, universities, community groups and faith communities to work together towards positive and rewarding goals.

There are several parts to continued accreditation for Adelaide City Council:

● Educate City communities on the issue of Fair Trade and encourage them to ask for FAIRTRADE products when purchasing.
● Have an external Steering Committee, which works continually towards being annually awarded Fair Trade Community status by the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ).
● Lead by example and purchase FAIRTRADE coffee, tea and sugar for use in its various facilities and staff rooms.

Where can you buy Fair Trade products in Adelaide?

» Download map of Adelaide Fair Trade retailers

All City businesses trading FAIRTRADE certified products are welcome to be listed in our map. Please contact us below.

Contact

If you are a business, resident, visitor, school or community group and you would like to know more about Fair Trade, find out about Fair Trade events in the City or would like to be a part of the Steering Committee, please contact:

The Customer Service Centre on 8203 7203 or email city@adelaidecitycouncil.com

For further information on Fair Trade, visit: Fairtrade.com.au