SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND TRADE -
A PANEL DISCUSSION

Presentation of Jeroun Douglas, Solidaridad

To me, I would say that sustainable consumption, in the case of bananas, would consist of three elements. First of all, it would consist of a reasonably high consumer price, reflecting the real production costs. Secondly, I think that over the long run bananas could again be treated as a luxury good - a reduced consumption of bananas would be a much more sustainable way of consuming the fruit. This is a long-term strategy. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that bananas sometimes enter into the European market at a cheaper price per kilo than the pears of my uncle who produces them only ten kilometres away. I find this absolutely appalling. To me, a third element of sustainable consumption would be that we gradually or even rapidly accept more tolerance with respect to "cosmetic quality standards". This would provide an incentive both for organically produced bananas and for less waste disposal of the fruits. This, to me at least, is sustainable consumption.

Trade in the light of sustainable consumption: First, I would like to say that a first step to development for many developing countries is trade. Trade is a very important instrument for many developing countries in the creation, in the long-term, of a level playing field. So, I'm in favour of trade, including bananas. From this perpective I would also say that national producers should enter into this world of trade with improved trade conditions. This would mean that they should be empowered to create regional development and this would mean a fair price with long-term contracts of supply. This would also enable them to practise what is technically known as "internalisation of costs" to put a price-tag on the environmental, social and labour aspects. So what is the role of fair trade within sustainable consumption and trade? I would say that it offers an opening in the market on the basis of minimum standards. We have always interpreted "minimum standards" as entrance-criteria, whereas the fair premium payed to the farmers is an instrument to constantly improve labour and environmental issues. And this has resulted in measurable effects in the producing regions. So finally, fair trade could be an interesting instrument in progressively moving forward to an acceptance of higher levels of tolerance for "cosmetic qualities" - excepting less perfect food, we could say, on the basis of higher consumer prices. Thank you.