SOME CONSUMERS HAVE ETHICAL CONCERNS

Ethical consumerism is a growing phenomenon. It is a major driver of a diverse range of ethical approaches to trade. Alternative approaches such as fair-trade, conservation-driven trade and trade in organic produce began as market niches, but are making their presence felt in the commercial mainstream. These changes have caused retailers to adopt and implement a plethora of standards and codes of practice. These standards will have major implications on the way in which crops are produced and supplied. Trends suggest that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the ethical choices they can exercise when making purchasing decisions. Horticultural exporters will need to take into account the increasing importance that consumers attach to ethical choice in their purchasing behaviour-especially as this may involve translating consumers' ethical trends into opportunities for producers.

Related information: Organic produce ; Food Safety; Genetically modified organisms; Convenience foods

Further information:

Websites:
Fair Trade: Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, ;
International Federation for Alternative Trade, ;
European Fair Trade Association,
Conservation driven trade: Conservation International's Conservation Enterprise programme, ,
Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Agriculture programme,