Ethical considerations and Fair Trade

    OCR
    GCSE

    Fair Trade is a global movement and certification model designed to secure better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs). In the context of Food Preparation and Nutrition, candidates must understand the mechanism of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium. Study focuses on the ethical supply chain, the impact of consumer choice on global food security, and the specific requirements for the Fairtrade Mark. Analysis must extend beyond mere definition to evaluate the socio-economic impact on producer communities (e.g., investment in education, healthcare, and sustainable farming techniques).

    6
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Fairtrade Foundation established in 1992 to guarantee better prices for producers.
    • The 'Social Premium' is an additional sum of money paid into a communal fund for workers and farmers.
    • Battery cages for laying hens were banned in the UK and EU in 2012.
    • Red Tractor standards cover animal welfare, food safety, traceability, and environmental protection.
    • Soil Association Organic standards strictly limit the use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers.
    • Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifies sustainable fishing practices to prevent overfishing.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definitions of Fairtrade mechanisms: the 'Minimum Price' safety net and the 'Social Premium' for community investment.
    • Credit responses that explicitly contrast 'Free Range' and 'Intensive' farming methods regarding stocking densities and antibiotic use.
    • Candidates must link assurance schemes (e.g., Red Tractor) to specific guarantees: traceability, safety, and animal welfare.
    • Reward analysis that evaluates the trade-off between the higher cost of ethical products and the long-term sustainability of food supply chains.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When discussing Fairtrade, you must mention the 'Social Premium' and give concrete examples of its use (e.g., building schools, medical centres).
    • 💡For questions on animal welfare, structure your answer by contrasting the advantages of extensive farming with the efficiency/yield of intensive systems.
    • 💡Memorize the four pillars of the Red Tractor scheme: Animal Welfare, Environmental Protection, Food Safety, and Traceability.
    • 💡In 'Discuss' questions, ensure you provide a balanced argument considering both the producer's benefit and the consumer's cost.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'Fairtrade' (socio-economic focus) with 'Organic' (environmental/farming method focus).
    • Using emotive, non-technical language (e.g., 'happier animals') instead of specific welfare terms (e.g., 'freedom to express normal behaviour').
    • Listing logos (e.g., Lion Mark, MSC) without explaining the specific standards or provenance they guarantee.
    • Failing to address the economic implications for the consumer when discussing ethical choices.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Explain
    Discuss
    Assess
    Justify
    Evaluate

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