Agricultural exports are crucial for growth and employment in many developing countries, contributing to poverty reduction and rural development. At the same time, consumers in the devel­oped world want to use their purchasing power to help people in poor countries lift themselves out of poverty, and this has resulted in significant growth in ethical trade initiatives in recent years.

 

The findings of a new ODI study on the impact of ethical standards and labels on developing countries was presented at this meeting. It was argued that these findings provide support for a new kind of ‘Good for Development’ product label; an idea that was initially proposed in ODI Opinion piece No. 88. Panellists responded to the findings and proposal, bringing a range of perspectives to the debate

Karen Ellis - Research Fellow, ODI

Anne MacCaig - Chief Executive, Cafédirect plc

Prof Alan Winters - Cheif Economist, DFID

Simon Maxwell - Director, ODI