Fair Trade - 20/05/19

On Monday Seagate Rotary had a talk on the concept and delivery of Fair Trade goods, from Charles Sim.  Charles is the Vice Chair of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, and he brought numerous examples of tea, coffee, chocolate and wine for sampling. 

Entering into a Fair Trade agreement ensures that the producers of these goods are acting in an ethical way and paying fair wages.  In return the producer gets fair payment, and a small premium on the end price goes to the local community to improve living standards such a water supply or education. 

There is strict monitoring to ensure that Fair Trade conditions are adhered to.  The Co-op was the first, and is still the largest supplier of Fair Trade goods, but many other retailers now take part.  Charles passed round various samples which were well received.  After a question session, a Vote of Thanks was proposed by Andy Slater.