Every two years, the Trade for Development Centre publishes a barometer on fair trade, a survey that aims to present the awareness of fair trade in Belgium and the opinion and behaviour of Belgians on this topic. This year, questions were asked about changes in purchasing behaviour in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Author: Evi Coremans
Europe targeting CSR legislation
The EU wants to launch a legal framework for corporate due diligence with regard to human rights and the environment by 2021. “I see more and more support, also from companies. They are the ones asking for more certainty, to create a level playing field”, said European Commissioner Didier Reynders at a debate on the topic of CSR in company supply chains on the 29th of September.
Coronavirus, climate change, exploding inequality, destruction of biodiversity…the increasing number of crises is forcing us to face facts: we need to take a different approach to trade. We must accelerate the ecological and solidarity-based transition our society needs. And fair trade is the trump card to help achieve this.
Following the initiative taken by chocolatier Tony’s Chocolonely in the Netherlands, 45 companies operating in Belgium have signed a letter to the new government calling for a national, legal framework for corporate due diligence on the topic of human rights and the environment. Ben & Jerry’s, Kalani, Galler Chocolate, JBC, Java, Neckerman, Clarysse, Mayerline, The […]
Deforestation is not the result of market demand for timber alone. Many farm commodities and products traded daily on global markets are contributing to deforestation in a less obvious way. As the demand for these products increases, new arable land is required for soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and other commodity crops. There is little action to resolve this issue as public authorities remain passive and private companies are lured by profit, but things are finally starting to move…
Within the framework of the Beyond Chocolate partnership, Chocolaterie Galler is joining forces with the Trade for Development Centre (Enabel), the Yeyasso cooperative in Ivory Coast, the University of Ghent and ZOTO to carry out a pilot project for the development of high-quality organic cocoa.
Kalani’s household linen is both organic and fair trade. It is one of the few textile brands in the world that knows exactly where the cotton for its household linen comes from. Founder Bruno Van Steenberghe talks about his commitment to farmers in India, about his concern for the environment, and the health of his customers.
Last May, Fairtrade Belgium announced a historic increase in the sales of fair trade products in Belgium: + 41% in 2019. An excellent result, bringing annual average consumption of fair trade per Belgian at 19.2 euros. Last May, Fairtrade Belgium announced a historic increase in the sales of fair trade products in Belgium: + 41% in 2019. An excellent result, bringing annual average consumption of fair trade per Belgian at 19.2 euros.
Coaching TDC: Necaayo
Necaayo operates since 2009 in Guiré, in Western Côte d’Ivoire. The cocoa cooperative has 1410 members and puts more than 3500 tonnes of cococa on the market. For 3 years NECAAYO benefited from coaching in marketing of the TDC. It has become one of the best cooperatives in the sub-region.
TDC launches call for proposals
TDC is launching a call for proposals for African MSMEs and producer organizations active in sustainable production and trade for initiatives that improve the management of their organization and access to the market. Deadline for application is September 10!