For Immediate Release
16 March 2009

As fairtrade products are gaining in popularity throughout the world, Palestinian organizations are mobilizing their efforts to get a share of this growing market by launching the Palestinian Fairtrade Network.

Dynamic fairtrade actors, local cooperatives and numerous distinguished academics from Palestine, North America, Europe and the Far East, will gather for the Second National Fair Trade Conference “Market Potentials for Palestinian Fair Trade Products” on 16-18 March, in Al Zababdeh – Jenin.

The fairtrade sector in Palestine is increasingly attractive for local and foreign markets with many organizations now applying the fairtrade principles to their entire supply chain. Products vary between olive oil, processed food and wood handcrafts. It provides a unique opportunity to support farmers and small producers particularly affected by the occupation.

Throughout the conference, participants will discuss ways to increase market opportunities in for small-scale producers in Palestine; increase synergy with international fairtrade advocates and identify challenges for exporting farmers and small producers in Palestine.

“The Palestinian fairtrade sector is booming and it is essential for the public to understand how unique and of high quality Palestinian-produced goods are. The Fairtrade Network is a one-of-a-kind in Palestine and this tool will allow all stakeholders to increase their presence on the local and international markets”, said XXXXX from XXXXX

“Already, some members of the Network are exporting to Europe, North America and Arab countries. This is the first step toward greater sustainability for our farmers.”

Moreover, winners of the olive oil competition will be announced and Palestinian cooperatives, which recently registered with the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO- http://www.wfto.com), will be commended.

Note to Editors: Arabic-English translation will be available

The Fairtrade Network is comprised of the following organizations:
Fair Trade Development Center (FTDC), which is affiliated to Bethlehem University; Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC); Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC); Holy Land Cooperative Society (HLCS) and Oxfam Great Britain.
This conference is made possible through the funding of:

European Commission (EC); Comité Catholique Contre la Faim et pour le Développement (CCFD); Oxfam Solidarité and PARC.