Sometimes people wonder whether supporting local food puts people in tension with the work of the FairTrade Foundation. There are separate arguments as to what should be grown here and there based upon energy usage, land types and so on. But we fundamentally disagree with the idea that FairTrade cannot go hand in hand with supporting local food and alternative food systems.
We have begun to forge a relationship with the local FairTrade group because we recognise the sharing of key principles. Principles such as thinking about where our food comes from, whom it effects, what it does to the environment, how can we make it more sustainable.
- We both believe in food systems that pay farmers and producers a fair price, whether they are in the UK or in Kenya.
- We believe in good food that helps enrich the lives of all concerned.
- We believe in having good ethics all the way along the food-chain to make sure people’s and animal’s conditions are fair.
- We believe in food that can be sustainable economically, socially and environmentally.
What we don’t grow locally, or cannot grow locally, we should make sure has the same conditions behind the production as if we made it here with our hands. This is where FairTrade complements our work on local and sustainable food.
We’ll have more information on this soon, as our relationship develops, but keep your eyes posted, and if you like the sound of this – get in touch!!!
Transition Rutland 