Please don’t turn your back on Fairtrade tea

THERE’S no denying that the people of Wales enjoy a cup of tea. And as the world’s first Fairtrade nation, it’s fair to say Wales’ thirst is contributing to Britain’s tea trade, which accounts for three-quarters of Fairtrade tea sales globally, and almost £4m in Fairtrade premiums for poor farmers and workers.

Sainsbury’s has been a brilliant and valued champion of Fairtrade. It is the world’s largest retailer of Fairtrade products, but it has recently announced a reduction in its commitment to Fairtrade in its own-brand tea. By replacing the certification with its own “fairly traded” scheme, Sainsbury’s has worried thousands who work to sustain us during our own tea breaks.

In an open letter to Sainsbury’s, groups representing more than 200,000 tea farmers and workers in Africa said: “This move will disempower us.”

Farmers and workers will no longer control the Fairtrade premium, instead it will be held in trust by a board in the UK awaiting wellpenned applications. The power to use the Fairtrade premium to support their businesses and communities is an important part of how Fairtrade works.

We are appealing to Sainsbury’s: reconsider your decision. We stand alongside the farmers and workers and are backed by the voices of almost 100,000 people who have signed online petitions. This new scheme does not reflect what small producers want and will create needless confusion for shoppers.

Please don’t turn your back on Fairtrade tea.

Aileen Burmeister Fair Trade Wales +20 others (for full list of signatories see WalesOnline)