Fair Trade practice just got fairer in Mumbai

International Resources for Fairer Trade (IRFT) organized a cultural event with Fair Trade woven into the fabric of “Maharastrachi Parampara” presented by MARG group. Bollywood star Jackie Shroff supported the cause of fair trade amongst the masses.

Actor Jackie Shroff with the dance group Astitva at IRFT's cultural event at Kalaghoda Festival

Every year IRFT makes its presence felt at Kala Ghoda, by promoting the cause of ‘Fair Trade’ very innovatively and creatively. A walking Dice approached the visitors and pulled everybody along to experience fairness in Fair Trade shops at the festival. The same groups participates every year, but unknown to the buyer these craft producers are part of Fair Trade organizations which boldly can say that every producer has been given a fair price, ensuring his sustainable livelihood enhancement opportunity. A Street Tableau “Jeevan ki Dastaan” was enacted in the center of the NGO quadrangle every evening to promote the cause of fair trade.

“This year IRFT is supporting a Latur based visually impaired, artisan group “Grameen Shramik Pratishthan”. We seize this opportunity to give them hands-on experience on how to make the most out of such exhibitions and fairs by giving them on-site exposure on Presentation, Packaging, Marketing, Innovation and customer demand. You will be amazed to see differently abled and visually challenged, skilfully weaving on handlooms and creating wealth from waste,” says Mrs. Gaynor Paes, CEO– IRFT.

“It is very interesting to see the way IRFT has been promoting and sensitizing the urban population about fair trade in the country. I would request all of you to be a part of this initiative in some way or the other because together we can and we will make a difference to the current scenario of the artisans and craftsmen of our nation,” says Mr. Jackie Shroff.

Millions of families in developing countries don’t get a fair share of the wealth created by their own skill and effort and the resources of their land. This is largely because of the way international trade is controlled by a few countries. It’s a system which is both unjust, and a major cause of continuing world poverty. If you pay Rs. 2000 for a Kurta, then the farmer growing that cotton would be getting a substantial share, which would suffice and support his livelihood. He wouldn’t die a moral death because of not being able to support his family or commit a suicide for his inability to support his family. You go home thinking that the money you paid the retailer will be in the farmer’s hand soon. But what you didn’t know is that out of Rs. 2000 that you paid, a mere Rs.100 is what he will get. Where did the rest of the money go along the supply chain? Who is exploiting these farmers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, consumers? The answer is Everybody!

It has been a noted fact that the price you pay for a commodity does not translate into the producer/farmer/ artisan getting the same price. There is corruption, exploitation and manipulation along the supply chain. Who decides how much do we pay? How much is the commodity worth?

It is only fair that every farmer, artisan, producer, consumer and the other beneficiaries along the supply chain should get a price that he deserves. To ensure that this objective is accomplished, an authorized body is formed, called International Resources for Fairer Trade (IRFT).

“IRFT promotes Fair Trade amongst the masses. Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seek greater equity in trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers. Most importantly, Fair Trade offers small producers the power to negotiate and the consumer a powerful way to participate in livelihood enhancement of the producers through their everyday buying,” adds Mrs. Gaynor Paes, CEO- IRFT.

Fair Trade aims to give disadvantaged small producers and workers more control over their own lives. It addresses the injustice of insufficient income for a decent living and insufficient market access by guaranteeing that producers receive fair terms of trade and fair prices or wages – however unfair the conventional market is.

The mission of IRFT is to have an impact on poverty and unemployment by promoting and supporting fairer trade and ethical business. IRFT exists to reduce the incidence of poverty and enlarge the opportunities for sustainable employment for the poor. IRFT seeks to achieve this by encouraging sustainable development of the enterprises in which poor are involved through increased business growth and improved productive capacities.

“After tremendous success in Western markets, I strongly believe that India is ready to embrace the concept of fair trade. Having already tied up with designer Rina Dhaka and Future Group affiliated Mother Earth stores, Shop for Change will be soon partnering with more brands to make fair trade products widely available. By simply choosing cotton clothing and textiles with the Shop for Change label, consumers can do their bit to make real difference for poor farmers and the environment” said Mr. Seth Petchers, CEO, Shop for Change, Fair Trade. -Sampurn

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Tags: International Resources for Fairer Trade, Jackie Shroff, Rina Dhaka

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