In May the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) packed me along to the World Fair Trade Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The conference is a bi-annual event bringing together fair traders from around the world, from the small producer groups up through the supply chain, to fair trade buyers. This year 250+ members attended, with sessions translated into 3 languages and a brimming itinerary covering all things fair trade. A stimulating,  fair trade love up.

It was the first time a Pacific face was in attendance, connecting, sharing and of course, pushing Pasifika Fair. The warmth and support was wonderful, I was quickly nicknamed ‘Fiji’.

It became clear that regional representation and advocacy is vital if we are to progress fair trade in the Pacific. Other regional associations  are coordinated, persuasive and vocal, driving large scale social change.

From the Latin American group, successfully achieving changes to Government policy in member countries, to Asia who are linking producer groups to an Asian, fair trade marketplace, the positive results of regional collaboration were abundant and utterly inspiring.

As I listened to these case studies, I reflected on the fragmented, isolated nature of Pacific fair trade. Our small efforts are present, but each flying solo.

During our 14 months in Fiji The Fair Trade Company, whilst housing a fun, happy team, has gone it alone. We’ve created processes as we go, guinea pigging the latest idea, trialling and testing until things work. There are no country and/or regional linkages,  no sharing of information or resources, no cooperation.

Take a peek at the international stage and the negative impacts glare back. No regional representation amongst the fair trade community. No accreditation standards. No investment into our capacity building. No Pasifika fair trade products in stores….

…and all the while, Fiji and the rest of our Pacific friends, lag behind the 8-ball. Social and environmental issues are flourishing. The PACER Agreement, steps toward free trade in the islands, is on the table. And we have history of unfair trade, big boys bringing their sweatshop mentality when manufacturing here.

Time for change. Time to pack some clout. Part of my work with the SPC is to establish a strong, persuasive and collaborative regional association, a hub for fair trade.

In the spirit of teamwork, we are working with the Regional Organic Taskforce (ROTF), another SPC funded initiative, who have created organic standards for the Pacific. From Rotuma, Niue and Tonga, to Samoa, Kiribas and the rest of our island nations, organic leaders have linked, creating a platform for organic farming, accreditation and access to the international marketplace.

I attended the recent ROTF meeting in Nadi, Fiji, and fair trade integration was a topic for much discussion. The result is favourable, with the Pasifika Organic and Ethical Trade Community in the pipeline.

To be effective, there is much to be done. But we’ve made a start on our clout. Sounds like green, fair trade clout to me.

Talei x