So, Ian
I understand that the original idea for Fairtrade came in 1989
How did it happen?
Actually the Fairtrade Foundation itself was finally set up in 1992
but yes, you're right
the catalyst for the spread of Fairtrade
was three years earlier when the international coffee agreement
that controlled prices collapsed with the withdrawal of the US
At that time coffee was the world's biggest agricultural commodity
In a few months the price fell by half.
It was a huge disaster for the 20 million people growing and processing coffee around the world
Many of the producing countries were dependent on coffee for over a half their exports
Can you give us some examples of how you help, exactly?
One way is that
we encourage producers to learn how to compete effectively in international markets
We help farmers coming into the system
to develop the capacity to cope with fulfilling demand
and we set a minimum guaranteed price for their products