These bananas will be available in Sainsbury s from today, with Co-op and Waitrose following shortly. Small farmers feel undermined. If UK consumers buy Fairtrade bananas it will boost farmers confidence. In recognising that farmers want to take more control over their lives, the Fairtrade Foundation ensures bananas are bought direct from democratically organised small farmers organisations at a guaranteed price that covers the cost of production and a basic living wage. The Fairtrade Mark also appears on bananas from other countries as well as chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee and honey.
Bananas mean everything in the rural areas.
A fair price might mean that, for the first time, farmers could look forward to getting further education for their children. Shortly afterwards, some Sainsbury's and most Waitrose stores started to stock them. More supermarkets are expected to follow in the next few weeks. Despite world demand doubling in 10 years, banana producers don't get a fair deal. They are badly paid, while many workers suffer the effects of harmful pesticides and endure poor working and living conditions.