The objective of Irish Aid’s assistance to Fairtrade is to enable small farmers and producers in developing countries to obtain a fair price for their produce; to invest premiums to improve quality and capacity; to promote employment and to fund social improvements that benefit the broader community. 

Irish Aid has supported the Irish Fair Trade Network since 2002, with allocations of €23.8 million agreed for the ten-year period 2002-2012.  This includes €7.5 million agreed in 2006 for a five-year programme of support to producers in Central America which is overseen by the Irish Fair Trade Network.  It also includes a grant of €15 million in 2008 for a similar programme in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.

Irish Aid has also provided considerable assistance for the development education work of the Irish Fair Trade Network. Support totalling €85,000 was provided through the Irish Aid Development Education Funding Scheme in 2009. The aim of the education programme is to promote greater understanding of the role consumers and businesses can play in ensuring greater justice in trade between people in Ireland and people in developing countries. The programme of activities has two key elements: public awareness through educational materials and events, including Fairtrade Fortnight and Fairtrade towns.

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