Describe what is meant by fair trade.

Referring to the diagram, identify two features of this system that make it an example of fair trade.

Explain how fair trade can help to alleviate local food shortages in regions where food crops are grown.

“Food miles are an excellent indicator of agriculture’s environmental impact.” Discuss this statement, referring to examples.

Credit any two of the following: trade that gives a higher/guaranteed minimum price/bigger profit for farmers [1 mark], improved working conditions [1 mark], sustainable methods of production [1 mark], lack of any “middle man” [1 mark].

• Lack of middle-men/simplified production chain
• Certification by outside agency
• Purchasers in India are a local firm with vested interests.

Award [1 mark] for any of these.

More income returns to farmers and stays within the country (with an economic multiplier effect); greater possibility of farmers growing food crops, rather than industrial crops; raises likelihood of receiving emergency food aid in times of need from consumers. At least two distinct ideas must be developed for the award of full [6 marks] or more ideas in less detail.

Food miles are a measure of the distance that food travels from its source to the consumer. This can be stated either in units of actual distance or of energy consumed during transport.

The advantages of food miles are that they give an indication of the carbon footprint from farm-gate to retail location and allow consumers to know the origin of the food they are buying. They also provide information about the likely type of transportation used and the relative costs of different forms of transport.

The disadvantages of using food miles as an indicator of environmental impact are that they do not take account of the carbon footprint of food production methods or the energy/water requirements used in different farming systems. Locally produced
foods may have low food miles but a very high energy footprint (eg growing out-of-season crops in glasshouses). Delivery of farm produce to retailers and consumers may not necessarily take the shortest route available.

Food miles give no indication of the use of organic methods. The food miles concept ignores other environmental aspects eg sustainability, indices of water usage, energy efficiency, the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and their effect on local ecosystems.

Conclusion – food miles are useful but far from perfect as an indicator of environmental impact.

To achieve band D the answer must describe environmental impacts. To reach bands E and F the answer must look at the advantages and disadvantages of food miles (in respect to the range of environmental impacts). The argument need not be balanced.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

The concept of fair trade was poorly understood, and there was some confusion between fair and free trade.

The concept of fair trade was poorly understood, and there was some confusion between fair and free trade.

Not well answered, with limited understanding, and free trade again to the fore.

Most candidates did not appreciate the scope of the task, with most getting little further than describing the advantages of food miles. Few were able to challenge the statement, and examine other environmental impacts of agriculture.