Producer groups aim to be globally at par

CEBU, Philippines - Producer organizations in the country are geared towards improving the underdeveloped fair trade market in the Philippines to be at par with other countries.

World Fair Trade Organization Global president Dr. Rudi Dalvai shared how the fair trade members have evolved in the past years from serving a niche market to selling in supermarkets and owning fair trade shops at present.

Unlike before, he said that producer enterprises have learned to cater to the needs of the various market segments instead of focusing on a single market, thus widening their opportunity of earning income and selling their products.

He cited that countries such as United Kingdom, United States, Holland, and United States of America have multi-developed fair trade markets taking into account the full support and consciousness of the public on the intention of fair trade groups.

“50 percent of bananas sold in the Swiss market are from the fair trade producers while seven percent of the coffee and chocolate in UK are considered to be fair trade products,” he said.

Dalvai, however, noted that the Philippine fair trade market seems to be opposite since the awareness level among Filipinos about fair trade is not that high compared to other countries he made mention.

Southern Partners Fair Trade Center (SPFTC) managing director Geraldine Labradores echoed the same sentiments as Dalvai, saying that the fair trade movement which is part of social enterprise is not much strong in the Philippines unlike in other countries who acknowledge such for a cause.

She added that fair trade players should be given enough assistance and attention in order to cope with the challenges in the market such as the stiff competition with the commercialized ones, climate change and other environmental issues, market linkage concerns, capital access, marketing strategies and skills training programs.

Dalvai said that fair trade groups are advised to organize promotional campaigns every year to increase their presence in the market and enhance the knowledge of the consuming public.

He also said that small producers and grassroots organizations should also forge alliances with private and government organizations.

Earlier, Dalvai said that fair trade groups are now aimed at acquiring certification to elevate themselves in the domestic and global markets.

Fair trade  is  defined  as a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade and contributes to sustainable development for marginalized producers and their communities.

Fair trade certification, as Dalvai described, defines the high quality standards of the product that could actually earn the loyalty of the consumers to patronize the fair trade products.

He cited that fair trade products sold worldwide posted an annual sales turnover of $5 million every year.

However, he clarified that the fair trade certification is not mandatory among producers but is a voluntary choice since it entails an investment on money and time.

In the local scene, a producer organization that is being accredited bears the fair trade logo that signifies and verifies that it implements the standardized fair trade practices.

There are five fairtrade shops that are already certified in the country. These include Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Bicol, General Santos and Cebu which is located at 102 Jose R. Martinez Building in Osmeña Boulevard.

Philippine fairtrade groups are said to venture into certification as a means to increase awareness among the public on the fair trade practices among marginalized communities, farmers and women. — (FREEMAN)