Gyeonggi-do: The Fair Trade Province

Fair Trade movement is relatively young in Korea. Yet, you could still find many shops selling Fair Trade goods in Gyeonggi Province.

We live in a post-globalization world where our products arrive from all over the globe and we have immediate access to all types of affordable consumer goods. As an ordinary citizen, it’s difficult to track where each item we use comes from or the conditions under which they were produced. However, most of us have come to realize that there is a hidden cost to the bargain. Thanks to consumers’ humanitarian concerns, the Fair Trade movement has grown and become global. The Fair Trade movement in Gyeonggi-do is evolving daily as local residents and the provincial government team up to battle inequality. 

Fair Trade is a standard of practice that aims to promote equity in international trade partnerships and improve the conditions and rights of farmers, workers, and producers (especially those who are from more impoverished regions of the globe). Fair Trade is based on transparency and respect; it’s a humanitarian effort that embodies the belief that people and the planet should take precedence over profits.

* Before we move on, we’d like to clarify the terms we use in this article. You might have seen two slightly different terms used when discussing this subject: ‘Fair Trade’ and ‘Fairtrade’. The term Fair Trade conveys a number of principles for egalitarian trading practices, while Fairtrade is the trademark name of Fairtrade International. In this article, we will use the terms accordingly. 

A Brief Look into the Fair Trade Movement

It’s believed that the Fair Trade movement originated as far back as the1940s when it was started by well-meaning individuals who, upon traveling to poorer countries, purchased products from marginalized producers and resold them at a fair price to help the producers out. This was a grassroots initiative that started before NGOs such as Oxfam joined the movement (in the 1950s). 

Soon, other similar NGOs appeared throughout Europe and North America and the idea gained momentum. The 1980s saw the rise of Fair Trade labeling organizations. These organizations were created to provide oversight and ensure that Fair Trade claims were truly fair. 

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) was established in 1989, bringing 38 Fair Trade organizations together. In 1990, various European Fair Trade organizations were brought under the same roof with the establishment of the European Fair Trade Association (EFTA). 

According to WFTO, the principles that define Fair Trade include:

·       Providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

·       Transparency and accountability in management and commercial relations 

·       Promotion of fair practices in trades

·       Fair payments that fit local living costs

·       Eradication of child labor and forced labor  

·       Ensuring non-discrimination, gender equity, and economic empowerment of female producers

·       Ensuring safe and healthy work environments and good working conditions for everyone

·       Providing aid for improvement in the management skills and production capabilities of local producers

·       Promoting Fair Trade and raising awareness around the globe 

·       Practicing trade with respect for the environment; promoting sustainable production and consumption.

While some questions have been raised about the extent of the Fair Trade movement’s effects on marginalized farmers, workers, and producers, there are many examples of how the movement has improved their lives. According to Fairtrade International, in 2019 the earnings of Fairtrade-certified Ivory Coast cocoa farmers surpassed those of non-Fairtrade farmers by USD 15.1 million. On top of that, Fairtrade International provides communities with a further benefit called ‘Fairtrade Premium‘ that creates an additional communal fund for local farmers and workers. The locals are able to decide how to use this fund based on their community’s needs (roads, schools, etc.). 

The interest in Fair Trade has been rising in South Korea as well. In particular, Gyeonggi-do has been proactive in ushering in Fair Trade practices. In 2019, the province held a Fairtrade Fortnight event during which, upon meeting specific criteria, it received recognition as a Fairtrade Town.

Fair Trade in Gyeonggi-do

Throughout South Korea, the Fair Trade movement is receiving much interest. Even though the movement is relatively young in Korea — the import ofFair Trade goods began in 2004 — you can find many shops and cafes that are selling products supplied by organizations committed to the Fair Trade principles. 

The event called ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ is part of the Fairtrade Foundation’s efforts to promote the movement and raise awareness about Fair Trade products internationally. Fairtrade Fortnight and World Fair Trade Day, are two major events that target people, companies, and various other groups.

The opening ceremony of Gyeonggi Fairtrade Fortnight 2019
ⓒGyeonggi Province

During last year’s Gyeonggi Fairtrade Fortnight, held in October 2019, the province was recognized as a Fair Trade Town, making it the largest Fair Trade Town in the world. This was a great honor and an incentive for Gyeonggi-do’s Fair Trade movement. The Fair Trade Town is a grassroots project that began in the early 2000s in Garstang, England. As of 2019, 2175 cities from 36 countries were officially recognized under this title and actively pursued Fair Trade practices. 

Different cities from Gyeonggi-do — including Hanam, Hwaseong, Seongnam, Ansan, Pyeongtaek, Namyangju, Suwon, Yongin, Bucheon, Anseong, Goyang, Guri, Gimpo, and Anyang — participated in the Fortnight events that spanned the duration of two weeks. During these events, Hanam City also received its own official Fair Trade Town recognition; Bucheon City, which has displayed a superb commitment to the movement, had its title recertified. 

The Fair Trade Fortnight created perfect grounds for people, businesses, and organizations in Gyeonggi Province to become familiar with Fair Trade; the interested parties were granted access to different learning opportunities through special lectures and more. Attendees also had the chance to experience this humanitarian style of consumption first hand by purchasing Fair Trade goods on the spot. 

One area that received local and international attention was the use ofFair Trade ingredients to produce local products such as cashew milk, cotton-based sanitary pads, and soy bread among others. What makes these products special is that they exemplify a humane approach to commerce that empowers both local and international farmers.

Local Fair Trade Events in Gyeonggi-do

Fair Trade is relatively new in Korea; one of the major roadblocks it faces is a lack of public awareness. To counter this issue and encourage people and businesses to consider Fair Trade ideals, Gyeonggi-do hosts a number of events in different parts of the province. 

Last year, Gwangmyeong City celebrated its designation as a Fair TradeTown and started educating residents, encouraging them to join the movement as global citizens. For example, local ‘Fair Trade Tea Parties’ were held in different neighborhoods where residents had the opportunity to drink Fair Trade tea and consume other Fair Trade products. Other promotional programs include Fair Trade awareness activities for teenagers, Fair Trade lectures for local residents, on the road campaigns that visit different schools, and many others. The city will continue to make access to Fair Trade goods easier to access by creating more shops that offer Fair Trade goods. 

Ariel B. Guides the representative of Altertrade Philippines Foundation for Food Sovereignty, Inc. (ATPF) is giving a lecture to local business owners. ⓒGyeonggi Province

In November 2019, the Asia Fair Trade Network (AFN) opened a new base in Goyang City and, together with participating businesses, the city strengthened its efforts to popularize Fair Trade values and products. (AFN is a Korean Fair Trade social enterprise dedicated to helping the distribution of Fair Trade consumer goods from Asian countries.)

After the success and popularity of the Fairtrade Fortnight events, the Goyang Fair Trade Council announced its intent to further educate people about the movement and its importance. The city is pursuing a large-scale educational effort and aims to become a model city in South Korea.

The Korea Gyeonggi-do Company is also taking an active approach in this regard. To promote and help Fair Trade flourish in the province, the Korea Gyeonggi-do Company has created a support program encompassing local social-economic enterprises as well as small and medium-sized companies that have adapted Fair Trade practices. 

The program supports the development of ‘Local Fair Trade goods’ and the development of ‘Fair Trade goods’. The term Local Fair Trade goods refers to goods created using Fair Trade materials as well as materials produced in Gyeonggi-do; the entire process is undertaken in cooperation with the Korea Gyeonggi-do Company. The Fair Trade goods stream supports any other products developed with the use of certified Fair Trade materials. The products will be released under the local Fair Trade certification brand ‘Fair Trade by GGD’. 

Gyeonggi-do Fair Trade Products

When you think of Fair Trade, what goods come to mind? For most people, Fair Trade is best known through items such as coffee, chocolate, and fruits. But Fair Trade products are not limited to consumable goods; a wide variety of products are eligible for Fair Trade labeling. Vegan Fair Trade beauty products and Fair Trade garments are great examples of everyday items that fit this category.  

Upholding Fair Trade standards in the production of electronic goods is another area that is attracting attention. With the importance of computers, tablets, and smartphones, which are often assembled in low and middle-income countries, the tech industry is scrutinized in terms of work environments and worker treatment. The good news is that we now have access to smartphones that were produced in adherence to Fair Trade standards.  

Fair Day Cashew Milk
ⓒAFN

Gyeonggi-do is doing its part to contribute. In 2018, the province introduced its first locally developed Fair Trade products. ‘Fair Day Cashew Milk’ and ‘Equal Five Grains Chocolate Crunch’ both incorporate Fair Trade materials acquired from foreign producers as well as fairly acquired materials from hard-working Gyeonggi-do farmers.  

Fair Day Cashew Milk is made from Fair Trade cashews cultivated in Vietnam and soybeans cultivated by Korean farmers in cities such as Paju and Osan. Equal Five Grains Chocolate Crunch contains Fair Trade chocolate from Peru and five grains (brown rice, glutinous rice, barley, whole wheat, sorghum) that were cultivated and roasted using traditional methods in Yangpyeong City’s Yakcho village.

Various Local Fair Trade products ⓒGyeonggi Province

In 2019, Gyeonggi-do has continued the development of Local Fair Trade products. Using Fair Trade-labeled Vietnamese cacao as well as locally produced rice from Yeoju and sweet potatoes from Icheon, 3 new chocolate products were created.

Gyeonggi-do, in conjunction with the Korea Gyeonggi-do Company, is working on producing and distributing Fair Trade female sanitary products created from raworganic cotton to support women of vulnerable socioeconomic standing. In the Gyeonggi-do Pangyo Startup Center, 6 public organizations and unicorn businesses have agreed on a plan for the production of sanitary items. The businesses and organizations participating in this project include the GyeonggiTourism Organization, G&E Healthcare (producers of Hannahpad), GyeonggiVolunteer Center, Fair Trade Korea, DongaTV, Women’s Environmental Solidarity, and others. 

In addition, the Korea Gyeonggi-do Company runs a Fair Trade cafe in Siheung City’s Baraji Market. The market is a popular local space. The coffee served in this cafe is made from Fair Trade beans purchased from Costa Rica and there are other Gyeonggi Fair Trade items available as well.

Fair Trade Towns International administration manager Luis Heller made a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Gyeonggi-do Fair Trade Fortnight. In his speech, Luis Heller mentioned that this was his second visit to South Korea and that he admired the fast development of the Fair Trade movement in the country. He thanked Gyeonggi-do for its participation in the movement and added that the 2021 International fair Trade Towns Conference (IFTTC) could potentially be held in South Korea. 

Gyeonggi-do has made a firm commitment to becoming an important center in the global Fair Trade movement. With an abundance of officially supported Gyeonggi-do Fair Trade programs and events, the province aims to encourage consumers in South Korea to take an interest in marginalized producers all around the world.