In the areas where Fairtrade certified flower farms are based (Naivasha, Central Kenya and the Rift Valley region), the latest reports are that things are now much calmer. Most work on the farms is able to continue normally, but some workers living outside the farms have been displaced and are in temporary accommodation. Additional security has also been put in place on the farms. Last week there was disruption to transport, but the military provided support to the flower delivery trucks and operations are returning to normal.

Money from the farms and the Fairtrade premium has been used for the benefit of workers and the local community. Fairtrade premiums have been used for emergency supplies, loans and towards setting up Red Cross Camps in affected areas.

The Fairtrade Liason Officer in Kenya, who is responsible for supporting producers has emphasised that it is vital that businesses can keep selling their flowers, particularly at this unstable time.

This is the most important time of the year for flower producers, with Valentine's Day and Mothers' Day coming up, so keep spreading the message that Fairtrade flowers from Kenya are the best gift to give.

After the Hurricane
From Meredith Cochrane of the Fairtrade Foundation
27th January 2008

Hurricane Dean struck the Windward Islands on the 17th of August 2007. Winds of 100 mph caused almost total destruction of banana crops in Dominica, 80% in St Lucia, and 10% in St Vincent. In field after field banana plants lay snapped in half or completely uprooted. In Conrad James’s banana fields in St Lucia most of his crop lay on the ground a twisted, broken mess. He explained that many of his bananas were close to harvesting when the winds came through and the weight of the fruit brought the plants down. While he was able to salvage some of the bananas, it will take nine months for his replanted plants to be ready for harvest. In the past, this level of damage would have spelt the end of banana farming for most of these farmers. However with the help of Fairtrade, farmers have the finances, the support systems, the buyers, and the confidence required, to not only rebuild their businesses, but to make them stronger than ever.
Conrad perhaps best expresses the determination of farmers to recover their livelihood and their need for our continued commitment. “I have a lot of work on my shoulders but I will keep growing bananas. I will build this up again. Just please keep buying Fairtrade bananas.”

• From 2002 to 2007, the consumer price for loose conventional bananas in the UK was cut by as much as 45% in a series of price wars between the big supermarkets.

Conrad James 80%

• The Fairtrade minimum price for bananas varies from country to country,

depending on the cost of production. All Fairtrade certified producer organisations receive a stable price that covers the costs of sustainable production, plus an extra Fairtrade premium of $1 per box of bananas (18kg) for community investment.