Applying 'fair trade' to British upland agriculture

Fair trade seeks to ensure that disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal for their produce on the world stage. A particular feature of the scheme is the setting of a minimum price between producer and purchaser. While many recognize the validity of such an approach for developing countries, the issues that fair trade seeks to address resonate strongly with the marginal farming communities of British uplands. This paper considers the validity of applying fair trade principles to the case of upland farm businesses in Cumbria. The authors consider the economic, environmental and social contexts of these businesses, followed by a critical appraisal of fair trade principles and the issue of local food production. Finally, they suggest possible mechanisms that could be adopted using fair trade principles to develop a more sustainable farming economy in this marginal area.