Michael Gidney, currently the chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, has worked for at least 30 years in international development (which corresponds nicely with the 30th anniversary of FT movement in UK). He started out as a teacher in Kenya and then for their children’s services in an orphanage, has worked with Voluntary Services Overseas and with Amnesty International. He joined Traidcraft in 19991 and became Director of Policy, then moved to the Fairtrade Foundation in 2009 as deputy executive director and has been chief executive since 2012. He is also a trustee of Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.
This was a most interesting interview where we discussed the dangers of commoditisation of products and the importance of fair trade to producers and farmers.
This is a highly informative interview yet accessible for all listeners whether working within fair trade or supportive of the movement. It is both personal and global in reach. It also offers a positive and optimistic viewpoint which is refreshing and encouraging in today’s dominant narrative of uncertainty. Well done Colum and Michael.
Thank you Dr. McManus, we really appreciate your feedback.