Trade Matters January 2020

Your new-look supporter magazine!

Registered charity no. 1048752 there could be new opportunities As we do that, we all need to ask CONTENTS Welcome Ready for a for businesses to supply the UK ourselves: what kind of trade do with goods previously imported we believe in? 2 Welcome to Trade Hello and a very happy New Year! your own challenge to lessen the challenges faced Matters! by farmers, workers and artisans in developing from the EU. Do we want big businesses which We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating changing world? But there are also big risks squeeze as much profit out of 3 Ready for a changing countries. Find out more on pages 8-9. over the festive season and that 2020 brings you in this new world, and we their supply chains as possible, world? And of course, ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight (24th lots of excitement, inspiration, and happiness. by Mary Milne, will continue to highlight regardless of the cost to workers, 4 Big Brew 2020 Feb - 8th Mar) we have a brand-new Big Brew pack Head of Campaigns these. farmers and the environment? 2019 certainly ended on a high! Your generous for you (p4-5). We hope you’ll join us to host an 6 “We don’t have land and Communications And should some of the poorest donations to our Christmas Appeal – the first event and enjoy a cuppa that truly changes the The UK might soon be to live on” countries in the world be pushed we’ve ever run specifically for people with world. If you hosted a Big Brew - Harvest event last negotiating a trade deal to open up their markets, 8 Introducing… the disabilities – will make it possible for so many Autumn, we hope you had a wonderful time – and with the US for the first hange is coming. Three and whatever the cost? Challenge Exchange more people to start earning a decent living with we’ll have a brand-new Harvest pack for you later time. Remember those dignity. Find out more about this brilliant result a half years on from the Credit: Photo by Chris Lawton 10 Leaving a legacy – this year, so stay tuned! C ‘red carpet courts’ we Or do we believe in businesses on page 14. referendum of June 2016, it looks talked about in the last which put people and planet first Margaret and Bill’s story Thank you for joining us on the journey to a fairer as though the UK will be leaving in developing countries and the We hope as you read through this issue of Trade edition of Trade Matters? The UK – businesses which are smaller 11 Home composting: world. We hope you enjoy reading! the EU at the end of January 2020. businesses they depend on. We Matters you’ll see just how many ways there are could find itself forced to give scale, more local, and share Traidcraft plc There will be a transition period, were successful in persuading the to transform trade for the better this year. From US companies access to those decision-making and profits along but make no mistake, over the UK government to slash tariffs 12 To make trade fair, signing our new campaign to stop companies courts, meaning they could sue the supply chain? Warm next few years we’re likely to see for businesses in the very poorest make it green doing things like taking over people’s land (p6-7) our government for policies which Change is coming for sure. The wishes, big changes in trade. countries. might damage their profits, like 14 Small Steps and to taking part in our raffle (p16), every action you question is, are we ready to meet , Whatever the rights and wrongs We’ve said all along that there reducing carbon emissions. Christmas Appeal update take, big or small, helps to make a real difference Denise it and shape it for good? to people across the world – people who deserve Jonny and of EU membership for the UK, could be opportunities. The UK That’s why we will continue 15 Make a donation we at Traidcraft Exchange have a much better deal from trade. Get in touch with us at Karen could support trade deals which to push for MPs to be able to To keep up-to-date with our 16 The Traidcraft Exchange always believed that people in prioritise regional integration. In latest news and campaigns, This January, as we start putting our New Years’ [email protected] or on 0191 497 6445 scrutinise and vote on trade Raffle poorer countries shouldn’t lose Africa, for example, building trade sign up to our mailing list at resolutions into action, we’re delighted to launch deals – so that they can consider Front cover photo: Rosta picking coffee on her out as we leave. We’ve spoken up between neighbouring countries all the impacts on people and the www.traidcraftexchange.org the Challenge Exchange – so you can take on for the needs and rights of people farm. Credit: Traidcraft Exchange/Michael Goima could be a game changer. And environment. 2 Trade Matters Trade Matters 3 Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 In your Big Mon 24 Feb to Sun 8 Mar Brew pack... During Fairtrade Fortnight, thousands Big Brew of people up and down the country get together to celebrate all the progress that Join us for a cuppa that together, we’ve made to transform world changes the world! trade for the better – and to campaign against unfair working conditions and exploitation that still exist. Thabiti harvesting If you can’t hold a Big Brew over Fairtrade coffee on his farm. Fortnight, don’t worry – you can host your Credit: Traidcraft Exchange/ Big Brew at any time of the year! Michael Goima This year’s theme is…coffee! t’s not long to go till Fairtrade Fortnight… event the best yet – including beautiful Around 80% of the world’s coffee crop is Iso we hope you’ll join us this year to host new posters, a devilishly tricky trivia produced by 25 million smallholder farmers another fun-filled Big Brew with your quiz, a brand-new Traidcraft Exchange worldwide. So this small but mighty bean How to order friends, family and community! Every penny poster, and a whole host of fun mustn’t be underestimated – it has enormous ...if you don’t yet have your FREE you raise will go towards our life-changing fundraising ideas to inspire you! potential to change lives across the world. This Big Brew pack, you can order one work with some of the world’s most Due to popular demand, we’ve Fairtrade Fortnight, we hope you’ll join us to at www.traidcraftexchange.org/ hardworking people, living everywhere from also created a Big Brew video to learn a little more about this life-changing bigbrew or call us on 0191 491 the cotton fields of India to the forests of little bean, even if you’re more partial 0855. You can also add one to play at your event. Find it at www. Don’t forget to sell Senegal. to a cup of tea! your basket when you next traidcraftexchange.org/bigbrew raffle tickets at your place an order at Our FREE fundraising pack contains (to be more eco-friendly, we no longer event! See more everything you need to make your Big Brew produce DVDs). details on page 16. www.traidcraftshop.co.uk

4 Trade Matters Trade Matters 5 without land to grow food and earn an income. What would the new For people like Hilary, land is the law do? foundation of other basic human rights. It Stolen land. is their source of water, food and income. Give UK companies a duty to Take away their land and you take away prevent harm to human rights their hope. As Hilary says, ‘We don’t have and the environment. Broken promises. land to live from. Life is unbearable.’ Companies are used to checking Right now, it’s too easy for UK companies G. Hilary Gbah is just one of many people in What can you do now? financial risk, sometimes known to grab precious land, break promises and Liberia struggling to make a living after their as carrying out ‘due diligence’. divide communities in some of the world’s > Please sign and send the postcard land was taken for a palm oil plantation. It’s time to do due diligence on poorest countries. We want to make sure Enclosed with your magazine is a campaign postcard Credit: Traidcraft Exchange/Derick Snyder human rights as well. other communities don’t suffer the same for you to send to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson. devastation as Hilary and his community. Hold companies to account his month, Traidcraft Exchange is we wanted development,’ he says. He > Order more postcards and leaflets for others “We don’t have launching a new campaign in support of handed over his land, expecting payment That’s why Traidcraft Exchange is calling if abuses do occur. T Use the other card to order more cards and leaflets people around the world whose lives have in compensation, as well as promises of for a new law to help stop this and and share them with others in your church or local Until companies are held liable been devastated by the activities of British investment in the area. other human rights abuses. It would land to live community. for their actions and those of their companies. make respecting human rights and the However, the compensation payment was subsidiaries, there’s no incentive from. Life is environment a standard business practice. > Share the campaign online G Hilary Gbah was a smallholder farmer in a fraction of the pledged amount and the for them to change. Liberia, West Africa. Though rich in natural promises never materialised. ‘They promised We have a new government and we want Visit www.traidcraftexchange.org/against-land-grabs unbearable.” resources, Liberia is one of the world’s us a school, …education. We have nothing. to put this issue firmly onto their agenda. to find out more about the campaign and share the Other countries are introducing G. Hilary Gbah, Liberia poorest countries, trying to rebuild itself They promised us job opportunities – no But we need your help. action with your friends online. similar laws and the UN has after years of civil war. When a UK company job... They promised us healthcare… nothing. called for action. Now the UK came to Hilary’s community to set up a Nothing they have done,’ says Hilary. This page was created with the support of needs to act. palm oil plantation, he was interested. the European Union. Its contents are the sole Hilary’s village is now surrounded by the responsibility of Traidcraft Exchange and do not ‘We embraced the company, because plantation and he, like others, has been left necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. 6 Trade Matters Trade Matters 7 NEW FOR 2020... Robert’s Ride finally returns him home Robert Cleave returned from his people a hand up, rather epic 18,000 mile cycle ride this than a handout.” CHALLENGE October to a fanfare of friends Robert’s Ride has so far and family. raised a whopping £12,000. Courageous Robert, 64, from That’s enough to transform EXCHANGE Nottingham, decided 10 years a whole village community ago to cycle round the world in Tanzania, where Traidcraft when he retired – and Exchange is currently t’s the time of year to make some bold New Year’s resolutions Secure very generously decided working with disabled your Robert at the Grand Canyon and take on exciting new challenges – so why not do it for a to raise money for farmers. I Trek the Camino place! good cause, too? Traidcraft Exchange, too. “Thank you everyone who Whether it’s a run, a trek, or something entirely off-the-wall, de Santiago “Now I’m back home, helped me – your support the beauty of the Challenge Exchange is that you can take on There are still a few places available The Great South Run I’m thinking – that was and comments kept me absolutely any challenge at your own pace. It’s not restricted for our flagship Camino de Santiago We’re delighted to announce that so fantastic!” he told us. going,” Robert says. “If I’ve to physical challenges – from knitting to sponsored silences to trek! Organised in conjunction with we’ve secured ten places for the Great “But also, did I really do achieved this, I am sure sacrificing something for Lent, almost anything is on the menu! Global Adventure Challenges, we’ll South Run on Sunday 18th October. that? I can’t really believe most people are capable of it was!” far more than they think. Whatever you decide, in exchange for your efforts, you’ll be be trekking 72 miles along the Camino Frances route, ending up in It’s been a little while since we last They just need the courage improving the lives of people around the world who deserve a Santiago de Compostela where we have organised a very special had places for this iconic 10 mile run Robert and his wife to set out and try. Failure much better deal from trade. church service to thank our team of trekkers! around Portsmouth and Southsea – Christine have supported The final mile of the journey isn’t about setting out and Global Adventure Challenges have also promised to plant 20 trees so if you’re interested in securing a the Traidcraft family not making it to the end – per trekker to offset the carbon footprint of the trip, as they strive place to change lives for the better, since the 1980s, and Christine runs a Traidcraft Find out more at failure is not setting out at all.” www.traidcraftexchange.org/challengeexchange, to become a carbon-neutral organisation. visit www.traidcraftexchange.org/ stall at their local church. Robert said: “It really strikes a chord with us because it’s about giving where there are plenty of ideas to get you started… Sign up now at www.traidcraftexchange.org/camino-de-santiago greatsouthrun and join the team! Thank you, Robert! 8 Trade Matters Trade Matters 9 Leaving a legacy: What prompted you to make a will? Margaret: Traidcraft Exchange aren’t giving out News from our partner Bill: We don’t have children, so making a will handouts. They’re giving people the opportunity Home Composting with Traidcraft business, Traidcraft plc Margaret and is just the sensible thing to do – it’s almost to do something for themselves – and we’ve seen irresponsible not to. Margaret has dealt with first-hand how trade done fairly and justly can lift Bill’s story probate and wills for her parents and other people out of poverty. Here at Traidcraft, we’re or cardboard, straw, compostable family members, and they all had wills, so it was turning our thoughts to packaging or dead leaves). Woody all very straightforward. It raised our awareness making small lifestyle sticks and logs must be shredded Free Will service – just do it! changes in 2020 to become first, and mature weeds should not of the importance of writing one. more self-sufficient and be composted. 100 Traidcraft Exchange What prompted you to leave a gift to Traidcraft sustainable – starting with supporters bagged a bargain Exchange in your will? going out and buying a TURNING YOUR last June with a Free Will compost bin! We put some COMPOST HEAP Margaret: We identified a small number of place provided by our charity of our questions about home To make compost, you need to add charities that we care about which reflect partners, McClure Solicitors. composting to Guy Barter, air – so it’s essential to turn your our values and what we enjoy doing. Selling Thank you to everyone who has already taken Chief Horticulturalist at the heap approximately once a month. Traidcraft products is our hobby and a big part Royal Horticultural Society… Remember to keep the heap moist up the service. in dry weather. Compost can take of our life, so by leaving a legacy to Traidcraft Bill and Margaret at home. Exchange, we can be sure that the final donation If you already have a place but haven’t yet used WHAT EXACTLY DO anywhere between six months Credit: Traidcraft Exchange/Nancy Demuth the service, we know there are many reasons YOU NEED? to a year to be fully ready to use we make will be a true reflection of our values. – it’s ready when it’s dark brown with a crumbly, soil-like texture and a smell for putting it off. Life is busy, and it can be a Position your bin in shade or semi-shade. An earth base is best, as Bill: A lot of people throw their hands up in resembling damp woodland. difficult topic to think about – but having a will this allows drainage and access to soil organisms, but if this is not the air and say they can do nothing about the t’s been 36 years since Margaret and Bill is vital if you want your assets to go where you possible, simply add a spadeful of soil to the bin before you begin. Any HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS TO HOME injustice they see in the world. But that’s not true. compost bin should work fine, as long as it can retain some warmth, bought their first Traidcraft product. Ever intend. So when you’ve finished skimming this COMPOST? I Everyone has to do what they can – and leaving a allow drainage, exclude rain, and let some air in. Compost bins less than since then, the couple have been pioneering legacy is something we can do. magazine, just do it – you’ll be relieved when one cubic metre in size are much less effective than larger ones, so if you By home composting, you save on fertiliser and soil improvers. Fossil fuel use the principles of fair trade in their community, it’s done! have room, the bigger, the better! is reduced too by not taking waste to the dump or consigning them to green Why do you support Traidcraft Exchange? selling fairly traded products to friends, family waste collection services. The only downside is if the contents get too wet, then The next lot of Free Will places will become WHAT SHOULD I COMPOST? the greenhouse gas, methane, is released. To avoid this, turn wet compost and and neighbours. We caught up with them to Bill: To me, the concept of “teaching a man to available in June 2020. Be the first to add more dry matter such as newspaper. fish” makes so much sense. We like Traidcraft Ideally, between 25-50% soft green materials (e.g. grass cuttings, hear why they’ve decided to leave a legacy to know by signing up at Exchange’s approach – they get people off the vegetable or fruit kitchen waste) should be used. The remainder should For more of Guy’s tips on home composting, go to Traidcraft’s blog: Traidcraft Exchange. www.traidcraftexchange.org/free-will-month-dont-miss-out be woody, brown material (e.g. hedge trimmings, wood chippings, paper ground and going, then leave them to it. www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/blog 10 Trade Matters Trade Matters 11 people in the world who are hit hardest by the been more obvious that anything that affects the in Kenya to grow crops that flourish even effects of climate change and environmental To make trade fair, planet has very real consequences for people, in extreme weather. You’ve helped textile degradation – the very people who have too. workers in India to use eco-friendly dyeing and production practices, and supported contributed least to the problem. As the make it green At Traidcraft Exchange, we see evidence of this innovative small businesses in Bangladesh devastating impact of the climate crisis becomes through our work in many different countries. In to create recycled clothes from fabric waste ever more apparent, it’s clear that international Kenya, for instance, farmers are able to negotiate by Nancy Demuth, discarded from factories. trade must urgently be transformed so it Fundraising fairer prices with buyers and better support their benefits both people and planet. families when they work together. But if weather Wherever it’s made most sense to do so, Communications Officer As long as we can count on your support, that’s patterns become too unpredictable to navigate, you’ve also helped people sell to local or exactly what we’ll keep fighting for. and their soil is depleted of nutrients, it’s only a regional markets rather than international t first glance, ‘making trade fairer’ and matter of time before they have no more crops ones. This is for two reasons – firstly, to ‘protecting the planet’ might seem A to sell at all. move away from a model where the poorest like two different objectives. One focuses countries are heavily reliant on trading with on tackling poverty by securing decent If we’re serious about building a future where the wealthiest, by enabling them to become In India, Traidcraft Exchange has been incomes and just treatment for farmers and all trade is fair, we must be prepared to shift our Did you know? more self-sufficient. Secondly, it cuts down on supporting textile artisans like Govind to workers; the other on preserving the natural Unequipped to deal with changing perceptions a little about what “fairness” in trade the carbon footprint of long-distance freight adopt eco-friendly processes. You can recycle your old jewellery, stamps and environment. weather patterns, farmers like Alice in really means. In other words, trade must be fair transport. Credit: Traidcraft Exchange/Allison Joyce banknotes to raise money for Traidcraft Exchange, Kenya find their crops failing. to the planet, or it will never be fair to people. But hold this premise up to scrutiny, and it and it won’t cost you a penny! Our charity partner Credit: Traidcraft Exchange/Kevin Ouma You might also have signed our petition quickly unravels. That’s why Traidcraft Exchange tackles Recycling for Good Causes will recycle your used, last year asking the UK government to stop environmental harms in trade and mitigates the At Traidcraft Exchange, it’s our role to shine a old, broken or unwanted items completely free For far too long, conventional trade and including ISDS clauses in new trade deals at the same time, the environment is being effects of climate change by providing solutions light on this kind of injustice and come up with of charge, and send us the proceeds. Just use the business has been driven by both exploitation with poor countries, which allow big business destroyed and carbon levels are rising. wherever we can – work that is only possible solutions to change trade for the better. But envelope included in this pack. of some of the world’s poorest people and to sue countries for millions if they pursue thanks to people like you. it’s people like you, who support us and take a sapping of the planet’s natural resources. As a result, the climate crisis continues to Our amazing partners recycle all sorts of other policies that could threaten corporate profits. action with us, that actually make that change People living in poverty continue to be escalate. Sea levels are rising, forests are Your support has helped fruit farmers in Senegal things, too – from print cartridges to cars! Find Fossil fuel companies have used this clause happen. deprived of the right to earn a dignified burning, and entire communities are uprooting learn to protect the forests they rely on for to pressure governments to drop climate- out more at www.traidcraftexchange.org/ living and afford everyday essentials – and themselves simply in order to survive. It’s never their livelihoods, and enabled smallholders friendly policies. Time and time again, we see it’s the poorest recycling

12 Trade Matters Trade Matters 13 Over a year, giving just £3 per Christmas Join Small Steps for big change in 2020! month could bring update Yes, I ’d like to build a brighter future for people in poverty a new group of appeal farmers or artisans I would like to donate: £ I enclose a cheque payable to Traidcraft Exchange Together, we are stronger – and that’s together Or I would like to pay by: what Small Steps is all about. Small Why support Small Steps Mr/Ms/Mrs/Miss Surname † Steps is a community of committed credit/debit CAF card CAF voucher YES I am a UK taxpayer and I wish Traidcraft Exchange people like you, each willing to give a It’s affordable £3 is the price of a cup of coffee. By giving up one Forename Name as it appears on card to claim Gift Aid on all little every month to transform lives donations I have made coffee once a month, you will be giving much- for four years prior to this Address through trade. needed support to a powerful movement for change. year, and all donations I If you haven’t signed up yet, but want to Card number make from the date of this It’s about community Thank you so much for your generous declaration until I notify make the world a better, fairer place in you otherwise. If my status When, as individuals, we give a little – together, we donations to last year’s Christmas 2020, why not join us on the journey? as a taxpayer changes, I will give a lot. By supporting Traidcraft Exchange, you Appeal! inform Traidcraft Exchange. Expiry date Security Code* Can small monthly donations become part of an active community for change. We are delighted to announce that so I am not a UK taxpayer. *Last 3 numbers by your signature on the back of your card really make a difference? far, you have raised more than £56,000 † To qualify for Gift Aid, you It’s sustained support must pay an amount of UK to change the lives of disabled people in Income Tax and/or Capital YES, absolutely! Many people have the Regular long-term donations provide us with the Hear about our latest breakthroughs, campaigns and how Tanzania. We’re hoping some of you are Gains Tax at least equal to the misconception that “small” donations security to plan ahead. At Traidcraft Exchange, our you can support our life-changing work yet to send in your donations, to help us Postcode tax that Traidcraft Exchange can’t bring about big change, but mission is to keep supporting as many farmers, Would you like to hear from us by email? and all other charities and reach our target of £70,000 – enough to Community Amateur Sports across a year, just £3 per month would workers and artisans as we can – but we can’t do Email transform lives in 7 rural villages. Yes, I’d like email updates Clubs (CASCs) you donate be enough to bring a new group of that without a secure financial future. to will reclaim on your farmers or artisans together at their Thanks to you, people like Mathew You can change your mind or stop receiving information at any time, donations in the given tax year (currently 25p for each £1 first meeting. That’s far from a “small” are finally starting to overcome the by contacting us by email at [email protected] Your details are safe Want to change the world for good in 2020? with us. For further details of how we use your data please visit given). Council tax and VAT result – in fact, we think it’s a pretty barriers they’ve faced for many years. www.traidcraftexchange.org/privacy do not count. If you haven’t signed up to Small Steps yet, or you have amazing one! Your support means they can start and want to increase the value of your monthly gift, you Signature earning more money and improving We rely on regular gifts to continue our work now and into the Registered charity no. 1048752 can do so at www.traidcraftexchange.org/small-steps their families’ quality of life – so their future. If you’d like to set up a direct debit and commit to changing Date or give our friendly team a call on 0191 497 6445. Thank children can enjoy the opportunities the world for good, and haven’t already set one up, call 0191 497 you for your support! they were denied. 6445 or go to www.traidcraftexchange.org/donate

14 Trade Matters TradeCode: Matters Mag20/01/INS 15 Take part in our raffle! 1st Meet The People PRIZE fair trade holiday ry your luck in Traidcraft Exchange’s raffle and you could win an Gain an authentic insight into a Tunforgettable trip to India or a luxury stay on Lake Windermere – country’s people and culture, and not only that, you’ll be making the world a better, fairer place, too. visiting fair trade producers and At just £1 per ticket, it’s a win-win! development projects far removed The raffle closes on 21st April 2020 and the prize draw Just from any tourist trail. Experience £1 per will take place on 30th April 2020. life in local communities and enjoy ticket! How do I buy a ticket? a country’s natural wonders and 1st prize: A trip to India with You should have received cultural heritage. Meet the People tours some raffle tickets with your www.meetthepeopletours.co.uk magazine (unless you have Meet the People will offset any carbon 2nd prize: a 2 night stay previously opted out). If you’d used on the flights on your behalf. meet the people tours in the Lake District at Low like to order more to sell, go Wood Bay Resort & Spa to www.traidcraftexchange. 3rd prize: Apple iPad org/raffle or give us a call on 0191 497 6445. You can also Luxury 2-night stay in Plus the chance to win one of buy paperless tickets online at the Lake District 4 Fair Trade Hampers from www.traidcraftexchange.org/ Located in the heart of the Lake our friends at Traidcraft plc. raffletickets 2nd District National Park UNESCO PRIZE World Heritage Site, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has one of the most 1st prize: choose either a tour for 2 people (2 x tours, no flights included) or a tour for 1 person PLUS return flights from the UK. Subject to tours running. Your tour must enviable locations in the world. The be taken by 30th April 2021. 2nd prize: 2 nights Bed & Breakfast at Low Wood Bay view from the resort over England’s Resort & Spa, dinner on one night and a bottle of fizz in your room on arrival. Subject longest lake, fells and mountains is to availability. Does not include stays over bank holidays or Christmas/New Year. 3rd prize: 2019 Apple iPad Air 10.5”, A12 Bionic, iOS, Wi-Fi, 64GB, Space Grey. For full terms truly breath-taking. and conditions go to https://traidcraftexchange.org/raffletandc