Looking Back and Looking Forward - Malcolm

In the 10 years since the birth of JTS for many of us the world has changed dramatically with the pace of change even appearing to increase exponentially. Social media, technology and politics for example all have very different outlooks than they did in 2009. Yet for the 2 billion smallholder farmers and producers trying to eke out a living for their families the fundamentals of poverty and toil have barely changed, as I have seen for myself in Malawi.

As far as its possible for a small not-for-profit Social Enterprise, JTS has in these 10 years tried to help as many of these farmers as possible. In particular we are proud of the impact our efforts to build a UK market for Kilombero rice and the development work we have carried out in the Karonga region of Malawi has had on the nearly 9,000 rice farmers of the local farmers association. Yet it is perhaps not the direct benefit the farmers income and security that will have the greatest long-term impact. Rather it may be that by demonstrating that its possible for a small ethical company to implement and sustain a full, fairly traded supply chain from Africa to the end consumer, we inspire and set an example to others and thus help build the kind of businesses in developing world that will give farmers a sustainable and dignified lifestyle.

Certainly, a range of organisations from various sectors including commercial, academical and NGOs have studied our story and business model and we believe that may influence future thinking and policy in a number of positive ways.

JTS is now looking forward to its next 10 years when we hope to have an even greater impact on more farmers and producers, and to be a beacon for the benefits of ethical sustainable fair trade and of partnerships between the developing and developed world.

Malcolm Shannon, Director