Today is the start of Fairtrade Fortnight and as Piccalilly is a Fairtrade licensee we thought we should let you know why our Fairtrade cotton is so special to us. And not only are our clothes made from Fairtrade cotton, they are also certified organic – a winning situation for everyone involved in its production. But what is so special about Fairtrade cotton? And why bother having it certified?
At the very start of the supply chain, small scale farmers find themselves at the sharp end of injustice within the global trading system. And the economies of some of the world’s poorest countries are dependent upon cotton. Two thirds of the world’s cotton is produced in developing countries. But the price that farmers in developing countries receive for their cotton is driven down by Northern subsidies and from synthetic fibres. Subsidised cotton production in the US, EU and China leads to over production, which leads to the dumping of cheap cotton, which leads to the fall in price of cotton, which leads to impoverished liveihoods and eroded economies in developing countries. Fairtrade certification guarantees a fair and stable price for small-scale cotton farmers – whatever the state of the global market.
And by choosing products made from Fairtrade cotton you are helping to bring about lasting change. Fairtrade cotton brings many social and environmental benefits to the farmers involved in its production.
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INCREASED INCOME - Fairtrade guarantees a better price
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – The Fairtrade price includes a premium that is set aside to invest in social and environmental projects
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STRENGTH IN TOGETHERNESS – Fairtrade certification requires farmers to organise themselves into associations and co-operatives. This helps them into a stronger position when selling their cotton.
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RESPONSIBLE FARMING – Fairtrade farmers are committed to reducing chemical use and protecting the environment.
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REDUCING IMPACT – Fairtrade cotton farmers reduce and replace conventional pesticides and fertilisers with natural alternatives.
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NON GM – Fairtrade standards prohibit the use of genetically modified cotton seed.
The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent body that awards the FAIRTRADE Mark to products that meet International Fairtrade standards. The FAIRTRADE Mark guarantees a fair deal for the farmers growing the agricultural commodities used in Fairtrade products. And by choosing products made from Fairtrade certified cotton you are ensuring that small scale cotton farmers get a fair and stable price for their crop.
Piccalilly’s cotton comes from a project called the CHETNA project – the projects aim is to promote sustainability in cotton production. The project supports farmers to convert from conventional farming to organic farming. But why convert to organic? The cultivation of conventional cotton is highly intensive and dependent on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The use of these chemicals causes a multitude of problems including environmental destruction, debt and chronic health problems. Organic farming rests on balancing economic profit, the safety of farmers with the natural environment. The CHETNA project has formed a farmer owned producer group and supports these farmers by;
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offering pre-financing and marketing support
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improves their livelihood by offering their ownership in the global supply chain
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offering training in sustainable agriculture, water & sanitation, and the environment
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guaranteeing a pre-fixed price for the cotton
We are really proud of our supply of organic Fairtrade cotton and hope that you too will consider being part of this positive change by choosing cotton products with the Fairtrade Mark guarantee. We have been working really hard to develop our ranges and now have organic bathrobes & towels, organic baby clothes, and very shortly we will launching some ethic-cool and eco-fabulous childrens clothing.
Tags: Fairtrade cotton, Fairtrade cotton clothes, organic clothes, organic cotton baby clothes, organic cotton clothes
