About FAIRTRADE Cotton, FiveG & Maine New England

Maine New England has teamed up with Sir Steve Redgrave’s clothing brand, FiveG, to produce an exclusive menswear collection made from Fairtrade certified cotton available only at Debenhams. When Steve first visited Africa in 2005, he was so affected by the plight of the local people that he dedicated himself and his company, FiveG, to source only Fairtrade cotton.

In addition to the economic support Fairtrade cotton gives to the lives of cotton growers and their families in West Africa and India, FiveG also raises funds for the Steve Redgrave Trust.

Many farmers and workers in developing countries struggle to provide for their families. Poor market access and unfair trade rules often mean that the price they get for their crops does not cover the cost of production.

Fairtrade certification is a rapidly growing international system that aims to improve the terms of trade and increase access to international markets for farmers and workers in the developing world. A product that is Fairtrade certified carries the FAIRTRADE Mark, an independent consumer label, which is your guarantee that disadvantaged farmers and workers are getting a better deal.

By choosing products made with Fairtrade certified cotton you can make a real difference to the lives of small-scale cotton farmers in developing countries. Fairtrade certification ensures the farmers receive a fair and stable price for their cotton, which covers the cost of sustainable production.

The small-scale cotton farmers also receive a Fairtrade Premium: extra money that is set aside to be spent by farmer organisations on business, social and environmental projects such as healthcare, education or organic conversion. This gives farmers in India and West African countries the opportunity to fund long-term improvement for their communities. Elected committees of the farmers decide how the Fairtrade Premium is spent.

Choosing Fairtrade cotton products gives disadvantaged small-scale cotton farmers the power to improve their livelihoods. Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark on cotton products your independent guarantee they have been made from Fairtrade certified cotton.

To find out more about Fairtrade visit: fairtrade.org.uk