A Holistic Approach to a Just Economy: Domestic Fair Trade and the Next Generation of

Fair Trade

Andrea FüttererGEPA – The Fair Trade CompanyMilan, 25.05.2015

In Germany: Discussion about Fair Trade in the „North“

The topic "Fair Trade in the North“ becomes more and more important in Germany “Fair Trade in the North” means the commercialization and certification of products from northern producers

There are two reasons for this development: Regional initiatives (organic, regional & fair) and consumers

increasingly focus on regionalism and demand a sustainable handling with local resources

Social and economic imbalances within the North increase to a greater extent, causing serious economic problems particularly for small producers (e.g. milk farmers in Germany)

Also working conditions, social and economic conditions for the majority of the population in a lot of northern countries are getting worse.

Opportunities of Domestic Fair Trade

Sensitising of new consumer groups for Trade, Development and Agrarian Politics and Policies

Composite Products with strategic and political importance (e.g. situation of german milk farmers)

Increase Fair Trade ingredients in composite products (which means that more producers can participate in Fair Trade)

Possibility of connecting with other topics, like climate change, food security, land grabbing, …

Networking and synergies with other movements/ organisations

Promotion of South-South Trade, increase of Fair Trade regionally and locally

Risks of Domestic Fair Trade

Confusion about traditional Fair Trade concept

Focus on the North, producers in the South may loose possibilities and markets

Direct competition with products like sugar, wine, honey, ….

Dilution of Fair Trade concept

Consideration of different levels of disadvantaged producers in the South and the North

2011: GEPA launched the first organic chocolates with fair milk!

2013: GEPA introduced the first fair cereal in the pasta products

What did GEPA make out of it?

Discussion about name and concept

GEPA is including some ingredients/products with strategic and/or political relevance

The definition of “disadvantaged producers” has to be seen in the regional, cultural and social context respectively

We have to challenge the definitions of “disadvantaged” and “economic success”

→ e.g. Alternative Economy Movements like Degrowth are defining economic success independently from size and growth

Fair TradeGlobal – Regional

A Just Economy, some challenges

Increase of value adding in the South is important, but difficult For processing of different product groups, the Fair Trade Value Chain is different Increasing Fairness along the Value Chain (e.g. processing, transport, retail)

This will contribute to a Just Economy on global level