Fair Trade FAQ

'Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. Fair Trade's strategic intent is:

• deliberately to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency
• to empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organizations
• to actively to play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.' - Fairtrade Foundation

It means that the University is an accredited supplier of Fair Trade tea, coffee and chocolate. It means that these options should be supplied at all University events and in kitchens and tea rooms. It doesn't mean you need to throw away other products, just that you provide a Fair Trade option.

'The FAIRTRADE Certification Mark is an independent consumer label which appears on products to signify that Fairtrade standards have been met. When you buy products with this Mark disadvantaged producers get a better deal. For Fairtrade certified goods, producers receive prices aimed at covering the cost of sustainable production. They also get an additional sum, called the Fairtrade Premium, for social, environmental and economic development.

For a product to display the FAIRTRADE Certification Mark it must meet international Fairtrade Standards. These standards are established by Fairtrade International and are set in accordance to the requirements of the ISEAL Code of Good Practice in standards setting. The standards are the result of broad consultations of different stakeholders and external experts.

Producer organizations supplying Fairtrade Products are then certified against these standards by FLO-CERT, a separate certification body, owned by Fairtrade International, which carries out regular audits and inspections.' - Fairtrade Foundation

The University made the decision to become a Fair Trade University at the initial recommendation of students from the Student Fair Trade Collective and the Adelaide University Union with support from Ecoversity. The University is pleased to be recognised as a Fair Trade University committed to ethical and sustainable purchasing.

University staff and students worked closely together to gain support from the University Council and to develop an implementation plan and goals including a communication plan and kitchen audits.

Ask for FAIRTRADE coffee from Mayo, Briefs, Backstage Cafe, and the Adelaide University Staff Club. In the city, ask for FAIRTRADE at Signatures and Hudsons.