Fair trade olive oil

First Fair trade olive oil gives hope to Palestinian farmers

A Palestinian woman collects olives at an olive orchard in the West Bank. 

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.

At present, Palestinian producers only use about a quarter of the 2000-tonne a year EU quota for their olive oil, but campaigners hope the formal recognition and first supermarket sales for the Zaytoun product will establish a more secure market.

Brown said: "Olive oil production provides an essential part of the West Bank economy. In buying this oil, British shoppers wil be helping the farmers of Palestine to make a living."

Harriet Lamb, the chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, said she was "very excited" by the prospects. "I know Fairtrade supporters across the UK will take this initiative to heart because it is helping the olive producers, their families and communities earn enough for today and build a better future."

Sales of 4,500 Fairtrade products in Britain accounted for more than £700m in 2008, 43% up on 2007. Sales of Fairtrade tea have doubled in the UK over the past year and are now worth £65m, while Fairtrade coffee sales rose 16% to £137m. This is the first time olive oil has been awarded the certification.

Mahmoud Issa, one of the first 265 farmers to benefit from the olive oil certification, which it is hoped will spread to hundreds more growers, said: "Our olive oil is of the highest quality because of the fertility of the land and we use traditional farming methods. Faritrade will bring stability to our farmers with the premium allowing for investment."