The first Fairtrade product from Palestinian farmers is going on sale in Co-op supermarkets as olive oil from co-operatives in the West Bank are promoted for their ethical trading status. The UK-based company behind the imports hopes foods such as dates and almonds might soon qualify for similar certification, followed later by soaps using olive oil from similar marginalised communities. Gordon Brown said he was “delighted” by the launch, marking the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, the annual campaign urging people to buy goods with the internationally recognised mark designed to ensure producers from poorer countries get a fair price and long-term security.

A Palestinian woman collects olives at an olive orchard in the West Bank. Photograph: Atef Safadi/EPA

23 February 2009
By: James Meikle

Read More, Follow the link: First Fairtrade Olive Oil Gives Hope to Palestinian Farmers https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/23/fairtrade-olive-oil-palestine