FROM ST LUCIA TO LOCHWINNOCH

A personal insight

Banana producer and Fairtrade farmer, Cornelius Lynch left his family and beautiful, warm homeland of St Lucia for two weeks to travel in the UK winter to spread the word about the success of Fairtrade in his own country. Lochwinnoch was privileged to host a talk by on Tuesday 3^rd March.  Those who braved the sleet to make it to the Parish Church that evening were treated to a unique personal insight into the difference that Fairtrade really does make to producer communities. 

The introduction of Fairtrade

Cornelius’ story is an inspiring tale of how one person’s endeavours can make a difference to a whole community.  He was one of four children raised by his mother who funded her children’s education by growing bananas.  After a period of studying and working for the Ministry of Agriculture, he worked for 13 years as a banana farmer.  During this time, the number of banana farmers decreased from 5000 to 3000 due to the effects of trade policies that squeezed the farmers’ profit margins.

In 2000, Cornelius was closely involved in the introduction of Fairtrade to St Lucia made possible through close collaboration with WINFA (Windward Islands Farmers Association).  In July 2002 the first shipment of Fairtrade bananas left St Lucia.  The difference in earned income was noticed immediately and there was a significant rise in numbers of farmers joining the scheme between 2002 and 2006; 12 Fairtrade groups were established with a membership of over 1400 farmers. 

Why a commitment to Fairtrade makes a difference

Membership of Fairtrade is voluntary but farmers must meet strict criteria to ensure fairness for all; equality, democracy and transparency are the watchwords here.   Fairtrade farmers also demonstrate a commitment to respect the environment by using non-GM seeds and by ensuring that the plastic used to protect the banana trees is collected and disposed of responsibly.

Community projects have benefited from the ‘social premium’ which is paid per box of bananas and the importance of this premium lies in the fact that the farmers’ groups get to decide where and how the money is spent unlike previous projects.  The current social premium rate is US$1 per box. Some projects that have benefited from the social premium are:

1.     fans were purchased for a medical centre to keep patients cool in the heat

2.     a hospital received an autoclave – expensive sterilising equipment – to replace the pressure cooker they had previously had to use to sterilise medical items

3.     a computer lab for a primary school

4.     a new resource room at a secondary school, including computer equipment and new reading materials

5.     a new truck to distribute banana packaging materials and ferilisers

The future?

However, there is a threat hanging over the success of Fairtrade in the Windward Isles.  If the World Trade Organisation resurrect talks that aim to reduce trade tariffs on bananas, this could have a disastrous outcome for the farmers.  It would mean that the market would be flooded, possibly forcing the Fairtrade farmers out of business.  Cornelius says that this is his biggest fear and ‘definitely is worse than any hurricane for us if it ever happens.’

Where you come in…

Cornelius also said how surprised and pleased he had been to discover the extent to which people in the UK were supporting Fairtrade, not just by purchasing the products but by proactively organising and participating in events such as the recent Fairtrade Fortnight activities.  Show your support for farmers such as Cornelius as they continue to strive for fair reward for their labour – buy Fairtrade and consider giving some time to Lochwinnoch’s ongoing Fairtrade campaign.