Fairtrade Foundation receives award from Queen

Posted on: 2016-07-21 2:48 PM

As an independent certification body which licenses the use of the Fairtrade Mark on products which meet international Fairtrade standards, the Foundation works towards a fairer deal for farmers and workers through trade. It has brought over 5,000 Fairtrade products to the UK market, from tea and chocolate to rice, cotton and gold. Today, more than 1.65 million farmers and workers in 74 developing countries – the majority of them in farmer-owned co-operatives – benefit from the international Fairtrade system.
 
The award was presented by Queen Elizabeth II at a reception in Buckingham Palace on 14 July.
 
“This award is for the millions of farmers and workers who are among the world’s most entrepreneurial people, who work hard to grow their businesses and lead their own development, to end the cycle of poverty and to protect their environment for future generations,” said Michael Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation.
“It is a privilege to accept this prestigious Queen’s award for the second time in Fairtrade’s history on behalf of those farming communities and also communities in the UK who show they care every time they choose Fairtrade groceries and other goods.”
 
The Fairtrade Foundation previously held the award for 5 years from 2010-2014, being recognised for the difference Fairtrade makes to peoples’ lives through the Fairtrade Minimum Price, which offers a safety net to cover farmers’ costs of sustainable production, and the extra Premium, for business or community investments.
 
Last year’s sales of Fairtrade products resulted in £29.8m in Premium payment going directly back to producers, in addition to the prices they receive for their goods.