[Greens-Media] Chocolate fairtrade move opens way for more ethical consumer goods

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Chocolate fairtrade move opens way for more ethical consumer goods
Thursday 27th August 2009

The Australian Greens today welcomed reports that Cadbury Australia
plans to achieve Fairtrade certification for their main chocolate line
by mid 2010, but pointed to the need for adequate Government-mandated
labelling systems.

"Whilst this is certainly good news for ethical producers of cocoa, milk
and other ingredients sourced by Cadbury, it does show the need for
Government to step up to the plate with proper, certified food labels,"
said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"It is important to remember that labels such as fairtrade are voluntary
codes brought about by the failure of Government to provide an adequate
labelling system."

"Our current labelling system does not even allow for accurate
information on whether goods are produced within Australia. My
colleagues Senators Brown, Joyce and Xenophon have introduced the
Country of Origin Labelling Bill to correct this, and I urge the
Government to bring on the debate on this important issue."

"Consumers now rely on private organisations to certify fairtrade,
organic, bio-dynamic or other specialty accreditation, largely due to
the lack of Government involvement in the area. This can add to the cost
for producers and consumers alike," said Senator Siewert.

"With fairtrade certification within the sector growing at an impressive
rate, the Government should be looking into how to support this
movement, helping it to become the standard for our goods, not the
exception."

"This move by Cadbury should encourage more companies to be involved in
corporate responsibility, especially those not directly influenced by
the consumer market."

"I applaud Cadbury Australia's decision today, and look forward to more
of our industries taking the step towards fairly grown, fairly bought
and fairly traded goods," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180