Cotton is a crucial cash crop for many developing countries and can often be the only means of income for farmers. World prices for cotton have declined but the price of fuel, food and raw materials continue to rise. Small-scale cotton growers across the world are struggling to survive, often work relentlessly for less than $2 a day.
Fairtrade ensures that farmers receive a fair and stable price for the cotton they produce. They also receive an additional amount which can be used to invest incommunity projects, such as building schools, health centres and improving water supply. Fairtrade standards have specific environmental requirements, and can act as a great bridge for farmers who are switching to organic farming practices. Buying Fairtrade cotton means you can make a big difference in improving people’s lives. Currently Fairtrade cotton products are only a tiny percentage of the UK market. Watch the video below to see the case for Fairtrade cotton then go out and buy Fairtrade cotton products to “Show Off Your Label” for Fairtrade Fortnight.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ev7YTPIKJU&w=640&h=390]
Background at Fairtrade Foundation. More about this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight here.
Fairtrade Fortnight and cotton
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