Up to the minute Fair Trade Information – I’ve just received an excellent leaflet from ActionAid. It seems that we are able to do something about Fair Trade right now.

There have been calls for a Supermarket Watchdog. Indeed, even the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the power of the supermarkets called for such a body. If it were to be set up, there would have someone regulating the supermarkets and making sure that they treat the producers of their goods fairly. The decision about whether the Watchdog will get the go ahead is about to be made.

The key decision maker is Lord Mandelson.

You are encouraged to write to him and put forward the view that the Watchdog should be set up.

The ActionAid leaflet goes on to highlight the pledge of Sana Louw, who is grapepicker for the major UK Supermarkets. Sure, she gets above minimum wage, but she has to support seven people, finds food very expensive, and sometimes has no money. Makes you think.

Anyway, you can find out much more about this, including how to go about writing to Lord Mandelson, at www.actionaid.org.uk and search for Mandelson. I would really encourage you to ask for their regular, snail mail newsletter. It is excellent.