Fairtrade

What is Fairtrade?

Small-scale farmers and producers in low-income countries often bear the costs and risks of trade, while global companies make the profits. Fairtrade products such as tea, cocoa, bananas and thousands of other top quality goods have been bought by companies for sustainable prices. 

Fairtrade ensures the world’s poorest growers and producers are able to earn a decent living and earn a premium they can put back into their communities.

Why does CAFOD support Fairtrade?

CAFOD founded the Fairtrade Foundation in 1992 along with Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, the World Development Movement and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.

We believe we are all part of the global food system - which means we have the power to change it. Changing the food we buy and choosing products from Fairtrade companies is one of the ways we can help tackle poverty.

What is Fairtrade Fortnight?

For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid.

Each year sees campaigners, shoppers, students and businesses come together in a show of support for the farmers behind our food on the front line of the climate crisis. From online panels to bake-offs and coffee mornings, events take place up and down the UK to showcase the power of Fairtrade and what needs to happen next to ensure farmers and workers are put front and centre of conversations on how to tackle the climate crisis.

Find out more about fairtrade