Look Windwards! Copyright © 2006 Farming and Countryside Education What is the impact of Fairtrade on St Vincent?

Where is St Vincent? St Vincent is one of the Windward Islands. It is in the Caribbean. Its beside St Lucia and near to Barbados. St Vincent

Look at this information on Fairtrade The Banana Industry is vital to the life and economy of St Vincent. There are three main impacts which you should be able to describe. Environmental Economic and Social. Make sure that you can define each of these words before you move onto the next activity.

Activity Read each of the statements carefully. Consider if they are Environmental, Economic or Social. (sometimes they can fit into more than one category- so you need to be able to explain your choice)

EnvironmentalEconomicSocial Add the comments to the column where you think it fits best. 1. Buffer zones. These are areas where no harsh chemical are allowed to be used. With Fairtrade banana production the use of chemicals are limited.

Bananas are not planted as close to rivers. This is to prevent any chemicals reaching the water supply. Farmers who are part of the Fairtrade scheme are given trees to plant on their land. This is to help with soil conservation on steep hills. Farmers have more confidence that its worthwhile staying in Banana Production Number of birds increase and wildlife benefits from less chemical pollution.

Social Premium helps to build schools. Farmers are educated and encouraged to protect the environment. Farmers use strimmers to cut down weeds between banana plants. These are lent between the farms and reduce chemical use. Money (wages) go to the rural areas. This helps keep people on the land. Fairtrade farmers are earning more money, keeping people in rural areas. Farmers get 4.67c more for each pound of bananas.

Money (wages) go to the rural areas. This helps keep people on the land. Farmers have more confidence that its worthwhile staying in Banana Production No child labour allowed Farmers are educated and encouraged to protect the environment. Many farmers have sold their land and numbers farming are declining. Fairtrade is not enough to protect jobs for all farmers.

Tourism is not the only way to earn money. Gives people a choice about what type of job to train for. Fairtrade farmers are not allowed to use any chemicals without authorisation from Fair Trade Managers. Social Premium helps improve roads, making it easier for farmers to get their produce to the markets. Old banana plants are mulched and returned to the land- adding nutrients and protecting soils.

So, is Fairtrade a good idea? After you have sorted out the ‘impacts’ you should be able to come to a conclusion. Who does Fairtrade benefit? Why do other Windward Islands want to join the Fairtrade scheme? Are there any drawbacks to Fairtrade for the banana farmers?