Supermarket sparks Fairtrade furore

FAIRTRADE campaigners across the borough are petitioning against Sainsbury’s introducing its own ethical trading certification.

The supermarket chain, which has stores at The Crescent and on Clifton Way in Hinckley, is the world’s biggest retailer of Fairtrade certified goods.

It has been welcomed by the area’s Fairtrade Forum which has, since 2007, ensured that Hinckley and Bosworth has held Fairtrade Borough status in recognition of the number of outlets, organisations and community groups selling and using Fairtrade products.

Now, though, forum chairman and east midlands representative on the Fairtrade Foundation’s national campaign committee Mathew Hulbert is raising concerns about Sainsbury’s decision to pilot its own Fairly Traded label and set of standards, initially on its own-brand tea, in place of a Fairtrade option.

Along with many other Fairtrade campaigners he is backing an online petition against the move, set up by the Fairtrade Foundation.

He said: “The Fairtrade certification ensures a fairer deal for millions of farmers in developing countries by independently checking a company’s supply chain against farmer-set standards.

“It also provides a premium amount of money, which goes directly to farmers to help with much-needed infrastructure, such as schools and roads, in their communities.

“Under Sainsbury’s own label, we understand, a cash bonus would no longer go directly to the farmers.

“This causes great concern to Fairtrade campaigners here in Hinckley and Bosworth who care deeply about helping the poorest people in our world and who believe strongly that Fairtrade certification is one of the best ways to do this.’

“I hope other people in the area, who also have a heart for justice and fair- ness, will sign the Change. org petition and make their voices heard.’’

Sainsbury’s says suppliers will receive the same level of payment as with the Fairtrade agreement and will also receive more information on how their businesses are performing plus support on the ground.

The main difference is that Fairtrade-accredited producers are given a financial premium to spend as they decide, whereas with Sainsbury’s they will have to work with the Sainsbury’s Foundation to agree how the money should be used.

Sainsbury’s describes the move as “empowering” for producers and says that it should mean more consistent supplies for its supermarket shelves.

A store spokesman said: “Farmers will receive exactly the same and probably more because we can look to match funding.

“There will be more support to farmers over the long term in building resilient businesses and developing long term relationships.

“We want resilient supply chains, great products on our shelves.”