Composite Products
Why are composite Fairtrade products allowed?
Fairtrade Ireland exists to secure better market and trading opportunities for disadvantaged farmers and workers, as well as to raise awareness and promote action amongst Irish citizens and consumers. By allowing certification of composite products, Fairtrade Ireland can maximise huge new opportunities for producers, deepen the positive impact that Fairtrade can have for them, as well as increase the range of products available to consumers, enabling people to integrate Fairtrade purchase into their regular shopping habits.
Should the rules for composite products change?
There is legitimate debate, however, about the level of the elibililty criteria for allowing the FAIRTRADE Mark on a product. Some argue that these thresholds should be higher, to protect the trust in the FAIRTRADE Mark. Others argue that the thresholds should be even lower, to enable more products to be eligible and more opportunities for producers. The composite policy is currently being reviewed by Fairtrade Mark Ireland and we anticipate that a wider consultation on the policy will be undertaken in 2008. This review will also consider whether the labelling policies for product packaging could also ensure greater clarity for shoppers choosing Fairtrade products.
