In an historic decision, members of the global Fairtrade system voted unanimously to increase producer representation in the General Assembly to 50%, making producers half-owners of the global Fairtrade system. The new shared ownership model means that producers will now have an equal voice in the highest decision-making body of Fairtrade.
'This decision is path breaking, it's a very progressive approach,' says Michael Nkonu, Executive Director of Fairtrade Africa. 'We hope to get the message across to consumers on the importance of producer voices in any ethical certification scheme so that this decision will bring major growth.'
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