National Campaigner Committee Meetingsummary
9 September 2015
The NCC were presented with the findings of new qualitative researchcommissioned by Fairtrade Foundation (FF) and discussed what it means for campaigning.
- Research shows 93% awareness of FAIRTRADE Mark and high trust,but thatFF as an organisation has low awareness, and can be seen as a certification bodywithout emotional attachment from consumers.It was suggested that consumers don’t always see the powerof their purchases. FF needs to be seen as tireless crusaders for farmers and workers, helping consumers to understand a) that as consumers they are a part of unfair supply chains, and b) how they can make a positive difference.We discussed the need for FFto tell more provocative stories, raising awareness of unfair trade; i.e. the fact that the farmers who grow our food can’t feed their own families. Campaigners have the independence and power to present FT in a more combative way.
Show Your Hand 2015 Campaign - Read more about the campaign and take action here.
- An e-petition (launch date 17 September) targets David Cameron to show leadership in the international area of SDGs, andpush him to lobby EU states on policy incoherence. There will be a hand in at No. 10 at theend of October.Campaigners are asked to share the petitionwidely and continue to visit their MPs to increase pressure on David Cameron. Fairtrade Towns are invited to send photos of their meetings to the Campaigns Team at .
Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 – 29 February – 13 March
- Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 will focus on telling the story of food security, that being part of the Fairtrade system means that farmers can put food on the table for their families. The campaigner action guide will be available online 1 October, hard copy at the Supporter Conference and other resources at end of October.A presentation on the theme of Fortnight is available online now.
The NCC were given an update on the 2016-2020 strategydevelopment by Barbara Crowther, Director of Public Policy and Affairs
- FF will focus onfive core commodities (cocoa, coffee, bananas, tea and flowers). Sugaralso remainsan important commodity wherethe aim is to preserve Fairtrade sales and support producers who are losing market access as a result of EU rule changes. Thematic priorities across commodities will be more focused, for example establishing a living wage for workers in plantations and prioritising gender equality and women’s participation. FTF’s future strategy will respond to the changing environment i.e. consumer habits and retail industry challenges, recognising that purchase and certification is only one tool for change.The aim is to bring about systemic change with government regulation an ultimate target.Mainstreaming and demonstrating the impact of Fairtrade at scale will be key to this strategy. More flexible ways of working and new business models will be implemented to expand the reach of Fairtrade principles in supply chains. It was acknowledged that the campaigning network is what makes Fairtrade unique. Engaging community networks and individual campaigners will be integral to creating change, recognising the special role and power of campaigners to champion best practice.
A consultation of churchesand Christian partner organisations is underway to inform the FF’s future strategy and communications with this audience. This will be discussed at the Supporter Conference.
Supporter Conference17 Octoberwill include new workshops and keynote speakers, including Faith Muisyoof Fairtrade Africa.Theme of the day is moving forward together and innovating. Sign up here.
South East RegionNicola Bunting elected as NCC representative on 5 September 2015. Becca Rowlandstepped down as NCC South East representativeand was co-opted on to the NCC.
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