Fairtrade is getting a lot of criticism these days and there are splits within the World of Fairtrade too. At the same time, global commodity prices, like coffee and tea are rising to record levels and this is making some people think that Fairtrade is not needed any longer - if farmers can get good prices at market for their coffee or cocoa or tea, why should they bother with Fairtrade. But Fairtrade has always been about more than just prices, but it's challenge now is to help people to…

The Leeds group had a fab day working hard on Woodhouse Moor allotments. It didn't get off to the best start seeing as Blessing turned up in his best clothes expecting 'indoor teambuilding' corporate style. Er no, Blessing we're off to a muddy field to dig some weeds and chop some trees. Sadiyah and Ross looked non too pleased as it was a little bit cold... But once the rest of the team joined us from Trinity Business school (and eventually Danny..) and Steve the Park Ranger got out the bow…

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/agriculture/news/article.cfm?c_id=16&objectid=10775475

There is a growing debate about whether Fair Trade certification schemes (and other alternatives like Rainforest Alliance, Utz etc.) are really the answer to the problems faced by poor farmers. Some argue that if farmers were trained to grow better quality crops and to grow more of them…

http://ning.it/vAwIxN This article talks about the benefits of co-operative models of business; how they can provide a sustainable solution to our economic future and help prevent the kind of "me" consumerism and business we have seen

NJU product development workshops at Fairtraders’ Cooperative

The NJU teams have been working hard on developing their products. They had a fantastic day at the fair traders’ cooperative in Holmfirth when groups from Doncaster Leeds and Huddersfield met up for the day to take part in workshops around developing and marketing fairly traded and ethical products.

We were very excited to welcome a top branding expert who visited us from London and spent the afternoon…