SAINSBURY'S AND THE FAIRTRADE MARK

Motion Text

That this House deeply regrets the decision by the supermarket Sainsbury's to drop the Fairtrade mark for its own-brand tea and develop its own certification scheme; notes that the Fairtrade Foundation is a respected organisation and part of a global network that strives to ensure that farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal for their produce; considers the distinctive and globally-recognised Fairtrade mark to be synonymous with ethical trade and quality for UK consumers; further notes that, in 2015, the UK Fairtrade market was worth an estimated £1.6 billion in retail sales, generating an estimated £29.8 million in Fairtrade Premium, a communal fund for workers and farmers to use, as they see fit, to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions; notes that the Fairtrade Standard protects workers' basic rights, including ensuring a safe working environment, the right to join a trade union and negotiate with their employer on wages and conditions, and prohibits discrimination and forced or illegal child labour; considers the Fairtrade Foundation to have a proven track record over 25 years of making a real and significant difference to the lives of farmers and workers, and of supporting better farming, strong cooperatives and investment in collective assets to improve crops and yields; and urges other supermarkets to remain with and strengthen their commitment to Fairtrade certification.