I'm delighted that Fairtrade certified Palestinian olive oil will be on sale in British supermarkets. Olive oil production plays an essential part in the West Bank economy. In buying this oil, British shoppers will be helping the farmers of Palestine to make a living.
Rt Hon Gordon Brown
Prime Minister
I can't change the political situation but I can change my economic situation. Selling my olive oil through Fairtrade will help me to support my family and send my children to school.
Mahmoud Issa
olive farmer, Palestine
Farmers, workers, their families and communities in the developing world are benefiting from Fairtrade.
Over five million people, in fact. The opportunity to sell their products overseas for a higher price and additional Fairtrade premium enables communities to make choices about improving their future.
Furthermore, at the Fairtrade Foundation, farmers’ leaders sit on the board influencing decisions and representing the producers' perspective in the growth of Fairtrade.
Small farmers offer solutions
The global recession affected everyone in 2008/2009, but while times are hard in the UK, they are desperate in developing countries. Small farmers' struggles are compounded by rocketing prices for food, fuel and fertiliser, but they are also offering solutions to these crises. The Fairtrade Foundation seeks to further the cause of producers in wider policy debates.
At a high level conference, delegates debated the recommendations of our report, The global food crisis and Fairtrade: Small farmers, big solutions. They included producers from the global South, who put forward that through Fairtrade, they hold the key to the future of global food production. We also gave evidence in Parliament to the Agriculture and Development Committee.
Economic underpinning of peace
Fairtrade is reaching out to the hardest to reach, including those in conflict zones. In March 2009, the first bottles of olive oil from Palestine to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark appeared on shelves in The Co-operative and independent stores. This Fairtrade first was the result of eight Palestinian producer groups, consisting of 265 farmers, becoming Fairtrade certified. By opening the shop doors to farmers, Fairtrade can help rebuild economic stability.
Internationally recognised Fairtrade certification of registered small farmers’ associations will support and encourage the Palestinian producers to work together and be a stronger voice in vocalising their desire to farm in peace.