10 October 2009
International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander today announced £12m of new funding for Fairtrade, to help twice as many farmers in the developing world work their way out of poverty. The funding will bring another 1 million producers into the scheme and so enable 7 million more people in poor countries to benefit from a better deal offered by Fairtrade. The value of Fairtrade goods sold globally should triple to £9 billion a year by 2013, thanks in part to DFID’s increased commitment. Addressing the Fairtrade Supporters' Conference, Douglas Alexander, today said:
“Fairtrade products are already a big part of life in the UK, with new products appearing on our shelves every day. Our £12m funding will help improve this even further.
"These are exciting times for the Fairtrade Mark, which is 15-years-old this week. Sales in 2008 rose by 43% in the UK and 22% globally, helping more farmers and workers in the world's poorest countries to make a decent living.”
Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said:
“The Fairtrade Foundation congratulates DFID on the visionary leadership being demonstrated in the international donor community in scaling up strategic investment in Fairtrade globally. In the current economic climate, it’s the poorest communities who are hit the hardest, and so positive business models like Fairtrade, which deliver increased development benefits from trade, are more important than ever.
Read the full press release
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