New Fairtrade standards could impact SA exports to EU

SOUTH AFRICAN exports to the EU could be affected by new standards being prepared for Fairtrade in Africa. The Fairtrade Certification Mark guarantees a better deal to disadvantaged producers and workers in developing countries. “We are in the midst of having new standards drawn up by FLO-Cert in Germany,” says Charles Starling, secretary of Fairtrade SA. Also being considered in the South African Country Policy is research into Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment. The number of certified Fairtrade producers in the country is growing, says Starling. In order for producers to qualify as Fairtrade members, they need to be certified with FLO-Cert in Germany. When their application is approved, a FLO ID number will then be issued to them. Fairtrade-produced products from SA are sent to countries in North and South America, Australasia and Europe. Rooibos tea is sent to Canada, the USA, France, Sweden, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy and New Zealand, says Starling. The Fairtrade initiative is proving to be positive for South African farmers, especially those who are at a disadvantage because of little capital or poor resources. “New producer groups (farmers) are certainly encouraged to become part of the Fairtrade movement, and quite a lot of funding is spent on growing this effectively and [ensuring] sustainability,” says Starling. “The system is there to protect the interests of small producers and ensure that they get a fairer deal.” Successes by Fairtraderegistered companies in the export market will have spinoffs for logistics and freight suppliers. Those which are themselves Fairtrade certified will be better positioned to win the business.