Sainsbury’s and Clipper have joined Fairtrade campaigners and activists by backing a petition calling for urgent action to make tea fairer for the people who grow it.
The petition, signed by over 21,000 UK citizens and supported by over 80 MPs, urges the government to bring in Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) legislation to tackle issues in tea supply chains.
It is also calling on the government to protect farmers and workers by tackling poverty wages, unsafe conditions and exploitation, particularly in Kenya, where most UK tea is sourced.
“Britain drinks 100 million cups of tea every day, yet too little of that value reaches farmers, and many in Kenya earn less than enough to meet basic family needs,” said Fairtrade Foundation director of communications and advocacy Marie Rumsby.
”Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence legislation is urgently needed to end poverty and abuses in tea supply chains and build a fairer future for the people behind our national drink.”
Gathering outside 10 Downing Street this week, Fairtrade representatives also presented an open letter from over 250 tea farmers and workers in Kenya, urging UK businesses and policymakers to protect their human rights and support them to deal with climate change.
In Kenya, ideal growing conditions for tea are set to decline by a quarter by 2050, according to Fairtrade.
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