Fairtrade has its critics.  To be honest, nothing is perfect and we have to accept that.  However, I think that we need to look at the big picture, here.

Europe imported virtually no merchandise from China as late as 20 years ago.  It now runs at more than €250 billion a year.  That is an incredible growth.

Fairtrade sales in the UK were only £16.7 million in 1998 but have now grown to around half a billion pounds a year.

The point is that things are changing.  Fairtrade is really only just starting out and will evolve.  Yes, Free Trade is really important and brings about efficiency, competition, innovation and so on, but Fair Trade has its place.  The problems and disadvantages of the Fairtrade movement will be overcome as time goes on.

To the people who criticise Fair Trade I say give it a chance, it’s only just starting out!