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In July 2017, Savai’i Coconut Farmers Association (SCFA) in Samoa were excited to launch their first Fairtrade Premium project, worth 9,500 NZD, supplying all 121 members with gardening tool kits. Members of the association now have much needed spades, bush knives and files, which will increase their productivity. Having these tool kits supplied was voted and agreed upon by the majority of SCFA members during their 2016 Annual General Meeting. The Fairtrade Premium was paid to the association by their local buyer, Krissy Co., who is working to increase the markets for Samoan coconut cream. This Premium project coincides with a replanting pilot project aimed at replacing aging coconut trees.  

On Fairtrade International’s anniversary, we look back on what we’ve all achieved so far, and look forward to building the Fairtrade of the future.

How many of us truly know who grows the coffee we consume? Did you know that many coffee farmers also don’t know who consumes the coffee they grow? The journey of a single coffee bean is turbulent, covering thousands of kilometres, going through many processes along its voyage. It is exposed to a range of environments, with the potential to alter its flavour and profile, before it finally reaches that morning cup.

The World Fairtrade Challenge weekend saw nearly 50,000 Australians joining in a country-wide celebration of the difference Fairtrade is making for farmers and workers worldwide. Events ranged from a market held by the Melbourne Cricket Club at the MCG, to morning teas in some of the most remote parts of the country including Kalgoorlie, Lightning Ridge, Rapid Creek and Broome.

The Women’s School of Leadership, which launched last week, is an innovative new programme which will improve women’s opportunities in cocoa communities in Côte d’Ivoire. The programme is being led by the producer network Fairtrade Africa.

Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand's CEO, Molly Harriss Olson, recently travelled to Taiwan with Fairtrade’s newly appointed Global CEO, Dario Soto Abril. During the visit President of Taiwan Tsai Ying-Wen acknowledged Fairtrade as an important model for addressing the inequities in global trade.

Fairtrade brands have once again received top marks when it comes to protecting the rights of farmers and workers, according a new report released today. 

Last month the Vanilla Growers Association of Vava’u (VGA) in Tonga rolled out their first Fairtrade Premium project which aimed to reward members’ efforts and encourage excellence in the production of vanilla. With the backing of their General Assembly and the support of the Vava’u vanilla industry, a competition was held using VGA’s Premium to recognise vanilla growers who demonstrated their mastery of best practices of vanilla production.