mcic - fair trade procurement
DESCRIPTION
A presentation sharing why Fair Trade is important and how institutions and organizations can incorporate Fair Trade products into their procurement plans.TRANSCRIPT
The Power of Procurement: Seeking Justice with Producers in
the Developing World
What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade criteria include:• A fair price paid to producers• Focus on direct trade• Supports small producers in
democratically run cooperatives• No child labour
What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade criteria include:• Environmentally sustainable practices• A focus on equity for women as
community leaders• A social premium (on top of minimum
price) used by the community for health, education or other community project
What is Fair Trade?
Example: For 75¢ of bananas...
Non-Fair Trade•Producer gets 7¢•Often grown on large plantations•Workers on plantations do not share in profits, may be paid 2% of cost of bananas•Workers are often exposed to harmful chemicals, no training in workplace safetyFair Trade
•Producer gets 13¢ + community premium•Typically grown by small farmers who are members of a co-operative•Farmers produce organic bananas, or use fewer harmful chemicals, workers use protective equipment
Fair Trade Certification
Fair trade products are certified by an independent body called the Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO). Producers must demonstrate adherence to the Fair Trade criteria in order to use the Fairtrade Mark. See this list of standards.
Why is Fair Trade important?
Our current trading system is a race to the bottom. We depend on cheaply produced goods, which often come at the cost of severe environmental damage, child labour and abuse of workers.
There are an estimated 280 million child labourers in the world.
Why is Fair Trade important?
We vote with our dollars – fair trade is a system which values the labour of the producers and creates tangible benefits for workers and their families.
1.2 million farmers and workers now benefit directly from fair trade. The stability of the minimum price and the community premium make concrete differences in their lives.
What is Fair Trade Manitoba?
Fair Trade Manitoba is a program of the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, which aims to educate Manitobans about Fair Trade, and to promote the use of fair trade products in the province.
What is Fair Trade Manitoba?
One of our initiatives is a consumer guide, listing businesses which carry fair trade products around the province.
http://fairtrademanitoba.ca/buy/
Manitoba: A Leader in Fair Trade
In a 2008 poll conducted by Probe Research, 73% of Manitobans said that fair trade was important or very important in their purchasing choices.
37 % of Manitobans said they purchase fair trade products weekly or monthly.
Manitoba: A Leader in Fair Trade
Manitoba is recognized nationally for achievements in promoting fair trade:
• Gimli, MB is one of 15 recognized Fair Trade Towns in Canada – the first one on the Prairies
• Manitoba Liquor Marts currently offer 26 fair trade certified wines
• Every year, thousands of Manitobans participate in the One Month Challenge – committing to use fair trade products for one month starting Feb. 14th
Using Fair Trade Products
• Individual use• Consumption in your office• Serving at your events• Gifts and prizes• Fair trade apparel / sports
equipment• Policy to use fair trade
throughout an institution
Case Study: Diversity Foods
• The University of Winnipeg’s Diversity Food Services uses fair trade coffee, tea, sugar and chocolate.
• Their coffee comes from Manitoba’s fair trade roaster, Green Bean Coffee Imports
Case Study: Evergreen School Division
Evergreen School Division Board passed a resolution supporting fair trade purchasing as part of the Fair Trade Gimli campaign. They support the use of...• fair trade coffee and tea in staff rooms, offices and
division-sponsored events• fair trade sports equipment • fair school apparel (t-shirts / hoodies)
They host fair trade sales and educational events.
Case Study: Assiniboine Credit Union
How ACU Supports Fair Trade• Lead sponsor of MCIC’s One-
Month Challenge• Promotes the One-Month
Challenge to ACU employees and members
• Purchases exclusively fair trade tea & coffee for head office
• Donates fair trade gift baskets for community events
Case Study: Assiniboine Credit Union
Why ACU Supports Fair Trade• Fair trade aligns with the mission & values of
Assiniboine Credit Union• Our purchasing power supports:– Environmentally responsible production practices– Living wages for producers– The development of co-operatives– Fair trading relationships that recognize the true costs of
labour and production
Chocolate & CocoaCoffeeCottonFlowersFruitGoldGrains (Rice & Quinoa)
Spices and HerbsNuts and Oils (Shea Butter and Olive Oil)
Sports BallsSugarTeaWine
Fair Trade Products Available in Canada
Click for more information about any of the following products:
Finding Fair Trade Products
We are available to help recommend sources for fair trade products. You can also check the consumer guide
at www.fairtrademanitoba.ca
You can stay informed by signing up for our Fair Comment E-newsletter at
www.fairtrademanitoba.ca
Contact us!
For...•Presentations•Purchasing suggestions•Samples•Help with fair trade policies
Contact us!
Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Ph: (204) 987-6420E-mail: [email protected]
www.mcic.cawww.fairtrademanitoba.ca