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]](/var/storage/images/media_folder/cafod/images/international_images/asia/philippines/rodrigo_costanilla_rice_farmer/44653-2-eng-GB/rodrigo_costanilla_rice_farmer_1column50_12space_landscape.jpg)
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."
 |
Take action now - make your parish, diocese, school or town a Fairtrade one - many others have already done so successfully! |
 |
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world |
 | Take a Step for Fairtrade Fortnight in 2012 The Fairtrade Foundation and CAFOD are challenging people to take a step for Fairtrade Fortnight, 27 February to 11 March 2012. What can you do to make a difference to the lives of farmers in the developing world who grow the products you buy? |
![Equipo Maiz works on grassroots education in the poorest areas of El Salvador [Claudia Torres]](/var/storage/images/equipomaiz-web-pic/1174816-1-eng-GB/equipomaiz-web-pic_0column75_06space_landscape.jpg) | Raising awareness of trade injustice Asociación Equipo Maiz (the Corn Team) produces fun, easy-to-read publications on issues including fair trade, gender, the environment, and disaster prevention |
 | Fairtrade Gold – a glimmer of hope? The Fairtrade foundation is launching its new fairtrade campaign |
 | Live in solidarity. Live sustainably. Live simply. The livesimply award gives national recognition to Catholic parishes making a difference to their community – and the world! |
