Fair and ethical trade
DFID is working to make sure that trade benefits the people who need it most. Fairtrade in the UK is a tremendous success – but it’s only part of the picture.
There are lots of producers looking for good prices and steady demand. And there are lots of products in our shops that have been grown by poor farmers around the world. We want to see ethical consumerism inform all our choices.
By choosing products from developing countries, demanding higher standards from retailers and asking them if they know where the products really come from, who grew them and what conditions they work in, individuals can transform the way that poor people are employed in developing countries. Working together the government, consumers and the private sector can make sure that poor people in developing countries really are able to earn their way out of poverty.
What DFID is doing
Fair and ethical trade initiatives not only help developing country producers access developed country markets, but also raise awareness of trade’s potential to reduce poverty in developing countries.
The UK government is a strong supporter of fair and ethical trade efforts, providing almost £12 million to initiatives since 1997.
For example, DFID has contributed over £2.8 million to Fairtrade Labelling initiatives since 2002. This has helped grow the Fairtrade label’s reach and public awareness – 70% of UK adults surveyed recognise the Fairtrade Mark.