At the recent Cross-Party Group meeting on Fair Trade, the conversation positioned Fair Trade as a practical response to some of the biggest global challenges we face.
The session focused on Colombia and the role of Fair Trade in building resilient rural economies. We heard from the Colombian Ambassador to the UK, Laura Sarabia, alongside Giovanni Porras of Fruandes and Rutie Ballestas of Fruto del Espíritu CIC, each offering a different perspective on how ethical trade can transform lives and communities.
Giovanni shared the story behind Fruandes which is a business rooted in lived experience. Growing up in a farming family, he has seen first-hand the pressures facing rural communities. Today, his work supports hundreds of families, including women displaced by violence, creating dignified employment through organic, Fair Trade fruit production.
Rutie brought the UK perspective, highlighting the importance of connecting these products, and the stories behind them, to consumers here. Fair Trade is not just about supply chains; it’s about relationships, visibility and ensuring value is shared more fairly.
And then there was the Ambassador’s contribution, which brought a new perspective.
She spoke about Fair Trade not as a niche, but as part of Colombia’s broader economic and diplomatic strategy – supporting rural stability, encouraging young people into agriculture, and offering alternatives in regions historically shaped by conflict. It was a reminder that trade, when done differently, can be a force for peace as well as prosperity.
There was also space for honesty. Fair Trade still represents a small share of global trade. Farmers face climate pressures, market barriers and ongoing inequality within supply chains.
As a Fair Trade Nation, there is a real opportunity to connect global producer stories with our Scotland’s own priorities, from the Good Food Nation agenda to community wealth building, education and climate action.
What emerged was that Fair Trade already offers a model for a fairer economy. The challenge now is not to prove it works but to scale it up.
