TO mark the 10th anniversary of the Fairtrade Foundation, a public discussion on the subject of trade was held in Tavistock.
The Fairtrade Foundation provides the mark which guarantees food producers in developing countries are receiving a fair and stable price for their produce.
The threats to the food security of the poor in developing counties were examined. Food production for local use is falling in many areas as the acreage of cash crops such as cotton and sugar increases. Also, surpluses from subsidised farming in Europe and North America are often dumped in developing countries, undercutting local production prices and destroying the livelihoods of small farmers. It was pointed out that our local farmers face similar pressures as they are constantly being urged to be globally competitive.
There was unanimity at the meeting that the key policy goals for world trade should not be to increase exports but to foster local food security. These policies would include:
l Fair trade rather than free trade
l No export subsidies, either overt or hidden
l No imports except to meet genuine scarcity.
There was also a consensus that we can all make a difference by buying local produce whenever possible and by always choosing the Fairtrade option for imported food when it is available.
Finally, it was noted that a growing number of towns are seeking to support the Fairtrade Foundation?s aims. For example, by the local council passing a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agreeing to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices.
Those present at the meeting hoped Tavistock Town Council would pass such a resolution and commit Tavistock to achieving Fairtrade Town status.
Martin Quinn
West Devon Green Party co-ordinator