As you have probably guessed from FPJ’s festive attire, this is the last issue of 2006. Our offices will be closed from December 23-January 1 inclusive and our next issue will be out on January 5, 2007.

Sainsbury’s has worked hard for six months to get to this week’s Fairtrade announcement. Although its bananas will not be 100 per cent Fairtrade until July, the stir caused by the chain trying to seek out available pockets of Fairtrade fruit world-wide has led it to reveal all early.

At first glance, one might think everyone would be pleased they can buy Fairtrade bananas without paying a premium, but still feel good that the store returns a premium to growers.

Nevertheless, there are detractors who believe Sainsbury’s is taking a risk and who question the credentials of the Fairtrade Foundation (FF).

Many products traded under the foundation’s criteria are commodities that became so oversupplied prices fell. So, how will Fairtrade fare against simple demand-supply economics?

Also, the foundation has close links with NGOs that have in the past employed questionable tactics against banana multi-nationals.

There is also the issue that large companies and plantations cannot be Fairtrade certified.

Where does this leave thousands of plantation workers? Don’t they all merit fair trade?

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