The following is a statement from Michael Gidney (Chief Executive, Fairtrade Foundation) issued on 29th June 2016:
The result of the European Union referendum won't just affect the UK.
It will have a huge impact on the lives of the farmers and workers in developing countries who grow our food, too.
How that plays out – positive or negative – is in part down to all of us.
Put simply, as the UK begins to reshape its relationship with the EU, it will need to renegotiate how it trades with other countries, both in Europe and the rest of the world.
That could put farmers and workers in a vulnerable position.
Too often in the past, trade has been structured and regulated in a way that has given too much to those with power and wealth and too little to those who are powerless and poor.
Your support is needed now more than ever.
Fairtrade has shown that trade and business can be incredible forces for good, if the benefits are shared fairly. That way, everyone involved has the chance to earn a decent living, and protect their health, rights and the environment.
Over the coming months, and even years, we will need to work hard to ensure our politicians keep in mind the interests of poor farmers and workers as much as our own.
Together we will need to support them to get a fairer deal, so that they can send their children to school and invest in their futures, build strong communities and withstand the ravages of climate change.
I know that all of us who believe in a fair and just world can come together and fight harder than ever for exactly that.
As always, thank you for your support.