Commenting on the Government’s new trade strategy, Fairtrade Foundation CEO Eleanor Harrison said:
“With this trade strategy, the UK government has acknowledged the power of fair trade. They now need to move at pace to deliver trade that benefits British businesses, sures up our fragile supply chains and improves the lives of people around the world.
“The strategy’s endorsement of Fairtrade’s innovative pre-competitive business collaboration model, Shared ImPact, is welcome. The Government should encourage and incentivise this way of working. Fairtrade calls on other retailers, brands and traders to join current partners and source through Shared ImPact to deliver more secure and sustainable food supply chains for the UK.
“We urge the Government to move at pace with its planned review of its approach to responsible business conduct. The time for action is now. Human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, delivered well, is the best way to reduce abuses in business supply chains. We look forward to engaging with the review to make the case for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation for the benefit of British businesses, consumers and farmers and workers around the world.
“The devil is always in the detail. We look forward to more in-depth information on how the Government’s plans will target support to overseas farmers and workers that are on the frontline of environmental and human rights crises. Without fair incomes and wages for farmers and workers overseas, alongside targeted climate adaption, our vital food and drink supply chains, such as tea, coffee, cocoa and bananas, will become ever more fragile.
“This trade strategy is a recognition that, in an increasingly insecure world, the UK Government and businesses can play a meaningful, positive role in building a fairer world through trade. Let’s swiftly translate this commitment into clear action.”
Isaac Tongola, Executive Director at Fairtrade Africa said:
“We commend the UK Government’s commitment to reviewing its trading approach to Responsible Business Conduct, and to deepening its growth and investment partnerships with the Global South. This resolve, grounded in the pursuit of transformative impact for both people and planet reflect the much-needed shift towards ethical, inclusive, and sustainable trade. This initiative will not only unlock new opportunities for smallholder farmers and workers across the African continent, but also empower them to become equal players in the global supply value chains.
“We most respectfully urge the UK Government to move swiftly from policy to practice. Timely implementation of these reforms will be critical to protecting vulnerable communities, upholding labour rights, and restoring ecosystems.
“At Fairtrade Africa, we stand ready to work closely with UK businesses, government agencies, and partners sourcing from Africa; to build truly responsible supply value chains. Through initiatives like Shared ImPact and the Livelihoods Ecosystem Advancement Programme (LEAP), we are already demonstrating that ethical sourcing is not only viable, but also positively transformative. Together, we can turn responsible business from a policy goal into a shared global reality.”