A fairer way to trade in flowers

Flowers can say a lot. They can be given to say ''I love you'', to say ''sorry'', to wish condolence and to say a great big ''thank you''. Although simple, they are greatly appreciated. Most women don''t receive flowers too often, so when they get a bountiful bouquet of colour delivered to the front door, they feel rather special.

If you want to make someone feel even more precious and show an extra level of appreciation to all that they have done for you and how much you love them, then choose to give Fairtrade flowers instead.

Fairtrade was set up back in 1992 to give famers in the developing world a level field to play on in terms of world trade. Back then, many producers were given a pretty rough deal. Many developed countries throughout the world imposed high tariffs on imports to protect domestic famers, they however exported goods overseas at a profit without tariffs. Furthermore, prices paid to farmers in the developing world were well below the market average.

This had knock on effects on local communities and subsidiary industries. Labour was cheap, and under this kind of trade regime it had to remain so. Big profits were being made, but not by the people doing all the hard work.

The Fairtrade Foundation had other ideas. Its terms dictate that companies must pay sustainable, i.e. above market prices, all the times. It checks up on working conditions and pay and facilitates deals between farmers and the developed world in order to ensure both parties agree on and uphold fair conditions.

Fairtrade does more than this though. To qualify for Fairtrade status, a company must meet certain social, economic and environmental standards too. It does this through promoting projects that will benefit the entire community supporting the Fairtrade product. The Fairtrade Premium is extra money paid on top of the minimum price which must be invested in community development projects.

There are now numerous community products across the developing world that are directly improving the lives of the world''s poorest people. Money is used to provide secondary education to poor children, medicines are provided through the new local dispensaries and bore holes are drilled providing fresh water for all.

Since 2004, Fairtrade flowers have been available in the UK. In that year, annual sales were just ?4.3 million. But by 2008 this had risen to ?33.4 million. This is thanks to increased availability; they are now available online, in supermarkets and high-street florists.

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

Nita Hannibal is a horticulturaist and freelance writer. THey recommend Interflora for Flowers Leeds.

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