What does 'Fairtrade' mean on food labels

A.� The Fairtrade Foundation was set up in Britain in 1992 to define standards and promote the Fairtrade label, and it set out to get larger commercial manufacturers interested in their products. The plight of Third World producers was highlighted around 10 years ago, when dramatic falls in market prices drove coffee growers�into desperate poverty. Trade schemes were set up to help them sell their products directly to markets in the West at a 'fair', but ultimately higher price.

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Q.� What are the main export products to the West

A.� There are now over 90 Fairtrade labelled products in UK shops. These include cocoa, coffee, bananas, tea, sugar, chocolate, orange juice and honey.

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Q.� Do they cost more - and is so, why do they sell

A. There is an added cost to the products, but they are a popular choice for the concerned shopper. Retail sales have increased from �16.7 million in 1998 to �32.9 million in 2000. Fairtrade ground coffee represents over seven per cent of the UK coffee market.

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Q.� How much do the farmers in the Third World get back

A.� According to the Foundation, more than 120,000

farmers and workers from Latin America to Asia benefit. When world prices fall, small farmers go into debt. Fair trading protects farmers from low world prices: it guarantees better prices that cover the cost of production and a basic living wage, and the trading terms stipulate working conditions.

Most farmers join co-operatives, which are paid a premium to upgrade their farming methods. They can also use the premium for health care and educational projects to improve the quality of life in their community.

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Q.� Which shops sell Fairtrade goods

A.� Clipper and Ridgways Fairtrade teas and cofees are sold in all major supermarkets. Oxfam and Traidcraft shops sell TeaDirect. and Cafedirect. Divine chocolate bars are sold at Asda, Boots, Co-Op, Sainsbury's and Waitrose. Fairtrade bananas are sold at the Co-Op, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

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by Katharine MacColl