How does Fairtrade help banana farmers?

Fairtrade bananas have a minimum price, enabling more stability and long term planning for producers in a market dominated by low prices. If the market prices go up, naturally Fairtrade producers can negotiate a better price! Fairtrade bananas come from both small-scale farms, and plantations with hired workers.

How much do Fairtrade banana farmers get paid?

The Fairtrade Minimum Price for bananas is set by region to reflect the varying costs of sustainable production. Producer organisations supplying Fairtrade markets also receive a Fairtrade Premium payment of US $1/box (or US $55/tonne) which is earmarked for business and community investment.

Are there any fair trade bananas?

Fair trade price and premium In 2013, FairTrade Certified banana producers receive a FairTrade Minimum Premium of $1 US dollar per 18.14 kilogram box of bananas to invest in community projects. Both FairTrade prices and premiums are set at the same level for FairTrade certified plantations and small farms.

How are fair trade bananas grown?

Banana production takes approximately nine months; bananas are harvested while still green. The harvested bunches are transported to a packing shed where they are divided, inspected, sorted, washed and boxed for export. regional distribution centres of retailers and wholesalers, then sent to individual stores.

Why should we buy Fairtrade bananas?

One in three bananas bought in the UK is Fairtrade, making a huge difference to thousands of farmers, workers and their families. Buying Fairtrade bananas means that producers are guaranteed a minimum price, get an extra premium to invest and have improved workplace conditions and protection.

Why are Fairtrade bananas important?

Why is Fairtrade important? Fairtrade works with banana farmers, workers employed on plantations and with the banana trade to create more value for producers and ensure people get a decent price and decent pay for the hard labour that goes into growing this crop.

How much money does a banana farmer make?

Unionized banana workers can make $10 a day or more, with benefits equivalent to another $10 a day. Most unionized banana workers have access to healthcare, schools for their children, and housing. Most non-union banana workers make $3 a day or less, with no benefits, and no voice at work.

Where are Fairtrade bananas imported from?

90% of all Fairtrade bananas come from Latin America and the Caribbean. There are currently 258 Fairtrade certified banana organisations (co-operatives and commercial farms), representing over 36,480 farmers and workers in 16 countries.

How much do Fairtrade farmers get paid?

Wages for coffee labourers on Fairtrade-certified farms ranged from US$1.5 to US$2.1 per day on farms that also provided meals, and US$1.8 to US$2.5 on those that did not. Some farmers said they had increased wages to meet national minimum wage standards but none mentioned doing so to meet Fairtrade Standards.

Where are Fairtrade bananas grown?

Originally, bananas came from Asia but today they come from all over the world. Most of the bananas sold in the UK come from Latin America, whereas India produces the most bananas overall. 90% of all Fairtrade bananas come from Latin America and the Caribbean.

How does Fairtrade help farmers?

Economic benefits This can enable them to negotiate a higher price for their product than the conventional market price. Fairtrade improves access to agricultural services like organic training and premium markets. As a result farmers have an incentive to farm better and sell more.