F = Fairly traded – creating social justice

We are called to act justly and not exploit the poor. Our neighbour is everyone anywhere in the world that we interact with. Farmers and producers overseas and in the UK deserve a fair price for their produce.

There will always be food that cannot be produced in quantity in north western Europe, including bananas, citrus, cocoa, olives, sugar, tea and coffee. Too often, prices to farmers don’t even cover the cost of production. Thousands of coffee, tea and banana workers and farmers are living in poverty. Trade needs to be both sustainable and fair. Buying fair trade foods means that workers who produce the food get a fair wage and better working conditions.

Fairtrade Fortnight starts on 21 February this year. There are resources for churches to help us think about the connections between trade, poverty and our faith.

Tip: act justly by looking for the Fairtrade symbol.

LOAF stands for food that is Locally produced, Organically grown, Animal friendly or Fairly traded.