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Trade and Fairtrade

Rice farmer Rodrigo Costanilla, father of seven, farms one hectare, rented from a land-owning family, and says rice is his livelihood [Annie Bungeroth]

International trade has the potential to lift millions of people out of poverty. But trade rules are stacked in favour of rich countries and companies

We are part of the Trade Justice Movement , campaigning for fundamental changes to the unjust rules and institutions that govern them, such as the WTO (World Trade Organisation).

Everyone has the right to feed their families, make a decent living, and protect their environment. But current free trade rules put profits before the needs of people and the planet.

Rodrigo Costanilla (pictured), a farmer, says: “Foreign rice in all the local markets is not helping small farmers increase their income. Because it is cheaper, people are not buying our rice, which is higher quality and healthier."

Leeds campaigners welcome Fairtrade farmer Maria Malan from the Western Cape during Fairtrade Fortnight 2008.

Fairtrade in your community

Take action now - make your parish, diocese, school or town a Fairtrade one - many others have already done so successfully!

Trade and Fairtrade

Prayers and spirituality resources and materials

Fairtrade

Secondary school teachers: Materials and resources to get your students engaged and excited about Fairtrade

Fairtrade

Primary school teachers: Learning about Fairtrade is an extremely powerful way for children to find out about what goes on in the world, and is an opportunity to learn how individual choices can make a real difference to people's lives

Fairtrade

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world

Fairtrade Fortnight hits 1,000,001 target

CAFOD campaigners are celebrating the success of Fairtrade Fortnight’s ‘The Big Swap’ (27 February – 7 March), which saw parishes, schools and dioceses across the UK swapping their usual purchases for Fairtrade ones.

Published on 01/09/2006, last updated on 05/11/2009

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CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales

Trade and Fairtrade