FAIR TRADE COTTON SAVES LIVES
“It’s been a hard road for cotton farmers, especially in India. Since 1997,over 200,000 Indian farmers have committed suicide”. - BBC News
It has been reported many of these suicides were linked to major debts incurred by Monsanto and BT Cotton and among other reasons such as debt, health issues, and use of chemical fertilizers and much more. Reality is, farmers live in poverty, lack education and struggle to survive.
Fair Trade Certified
FAIR TRADE IS AN ATTEMPT OF OFFERING BETTER TRADING CONDITIONS THEREBY SECURING THE RIGHTS OF MARGINALIZED PRODUCERS AND WORKERS.
The Good Tee is proud to work with Fairtrade Canada, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers; protects fragile ecosystems; and builds strong, transparent supply chains through independent, third-party certification.
In addition, Fair Trade Certified factories must adhere to rigorous social, environmental and economic standards to protect the health and safety of the workforce.
Collectively, they vote on how to spend the funds on projects that address local needs so that their families and children can thrive for generations to come.
For every Fair Trade Certified product sold we pay a premium directly back to the cotton farmers and workers who make our clothes.
When you support the Good tee you support our complete supply chain, including the forgotten farmer.
You can learn more about Fairtrade Canada and their mission at www.fairtrade.ca
What Makes Fairtrade Unique?
Fairtrade is 50% Owned by Producers
Fairtrade works with a range of stakeholders but their global system is the only one that is 50% owned by producers representing farmer & worker organizations. With an equal voice, producers have a say in decision - making within the General Assembly & on Fairtrade's Board of Directors Including International and Canada, they are involved in decisions on overall strategy, use of resources & setting prices, premiums and standards.
Fairtrade Minimum Price
For most Fairtrade goods, there is a Fairtrade Minimum Price which is set to cover the cost of sustainable production for that product in that region. Payment of the Minimum Price is regularly audited and checked by FLOCERT. This acts as a vital safety net for farmers and workers and protects them from fluctuations in the market prices of the products they grow for a living.
Fairtrade Premium
Over and above the Fairtrade Minimum Price, the Fairtrade Premium is an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund for workers & farmers to use - as they see fit - to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. Producers determine what is most important to them; whether this is education, health care, improving their business or building infrastructure etc.
Safer for everyone
Minimized and safe use of agrochemicals, proper and safe management of waste, maintenance of soil fertility and water resources and no use of genetically modified organisms. Its production sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural processes rather than artificial inputs. They are not exposed to toxic chemicals in the field or through their food and water supply.
Why Organic Cotton?
Source: The Green Story