Sainsbury’s has announced that it will source all of its Fairtrade cotton from a co-operative supplier in Gujarat.
In the first deal of its kind, Sainsbury’s has committed to buying a year’s worth of cotton during the harvest period, which will allow the famers to plan how they use their money, as they will have a guaranteed annual income. Sainsbury’s will also provide advance payments of the Fairtrade premiums, which can be used immediately for community projects.
Ninad Gupte, from the project executive Body Agrocel, said: “Sainsbury’s is the largest consumer of Fairtrade cotton from our projects in Gujarat. Cotton prices are very unstable so guaranteeing our farmers a minimum price and pre-financing the Fairtrade social premium, offers security that has not been possible in the past.
“Through this initiative, our farmers co-operative body has been able to improve conditions by investing in projects like providing clean drinking water and health check-ups.”
Liz Jarman, Sainsbury’s head of fair-trade, said:“Clothing is a major feature of Sainsbury’s Fairtrade offer and we are proud to be supporting cotton farmers in a way which has not been seen before. Sainsbury’s sell an average of 250 Fairtrade t-shirts per hour, which means a total Fairtrade premium of $250,000 per year to benefit cotton farmers in Gujarat.”
Around 1,200 small and marginal farmers based in Gujarat will benefit from this initiative, allowing investment in long-term benefits such as health and education.
Source: Sainsbury’s
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