Sue Baker's view...

A series of essays assessing the movement’s successes and looking ahead at how far we still have to travel to ensure fairness for all third world producers, illustrated with many examples of Fairtrade at work, interviews with a selection of producers highlighting the effect Fairtrade has had on their lives. The book emphasizes some of the problems Fairtrade face, trading in an economic downturn, large companies acting more in word than deed, war and environmental impact.  Fully endorsed by the Fair Trade Foundation with a foreword by Mary Robinson.

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Synopsis

Fair Trade has come a long way in the last 20 years. The Fair Trade Revolution celebrates the movement's achievement and takes up the challenge of improving more lives through fair dealing with producers. Fair Trade is now mainstream, with large companies like Cadbury's and supermarkets such as Sainsbury's producing and stocking many Fair Trade products. The authors of this collection, many of whom were responsible for the initial success of Fair Trade, emphasise the importance of ensuring that farmers and other producers remain the main beneficiaries. Punchy chapters, illustrated with many real-world examples, cover all the important issues including the tensions between large and small operators, the impact of recession, environmental policy and the danger of large operators embracing Fair Trade more in word than in practice. Written by the leading lights of the Fair Trade movement, including Harriet Lamb (Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation) and Bruce Crowther (Establisher of the world's first Fair Trade Town) this book will inspire activists and consumers to keep making the right choices.

Reviews

Fairtrade has brought considerable benefits to millions of the poor, but is still in its infancy. This highly readable account will help Fairtrade to grow and for the benefits to spread to millions more. -- John Madeley, co-author 50 Reasons to Buy Fair Trade This book provides an insightful and important analysis of the development of the Fair Trade movement worldwide, built around the experiences and perspectives of several of the key individuals who led the way. -- Mary Robinson, from the foreword

About the Author

John Bowes is chairman of Twin, a producer-owned membership organisation dedicated to developing the fair trade supply chain for coffee, nuts, cocoa, sugar and fruit farmers. He previously worked for the Co-operative Group, where he was responsible for all of their ground breaking initiatives on Fair Trade. These included being the first retailer to stock Cafe Direct coffee, the first to introduce an own brand Fair Trade product and the first to import Fair Trade bananas into the UK. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation