The Consumer Solidarity Network (XCS) is an organization that has worked in Catalonia in the fields of fair trade and responsible consumption since 1996. XCS works throughout the entire cycle of a product from production to marketing while advocating for a radical transformation towards a free trade system. We pay a fair price to producers that respect the environment, women’s rights and also provide culturally appropriate and healthy food. We believe that producers and consumers must be able to decide which foods to produce. In short, we defend the right to food sovereignty of peoples against the current control of the food chain by transnational agribusiness and large retail chains.

Our work includes:

 

Development cooperation

We work with women's groups comprised of farmers and peasants from Southern countries, providing development assistance through cooperation projects. We work in Ecuador, Cuba and Dominican Republic to diversify production, promote renewable energy development and support agroecological efforts, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of these groups.

 

Critical awareness and action

To publicize the principles of fair trade, consumption and critical food sovereignty is a key objective of our organization. We raise awareness on injustices of the system and the need to work for socially fair trade that’s both ecologically sustainable and nutritionally healthy. Exhibitions, publications, conferences and teaching guides are some of the tools we use.

 

Import and distribution of products

XCS imports and sells food products and crafts from organizations in the South. Groups involved are in-touch with the reality of their country, and give priority to production for the local market. We do not import products that are already available here, or have similar ecological and social components. We rely on criteria of complete transparency throughout the commercial chain.

 

Shops and consumer groups and organic fair trade

The principles of fair trade and organic farming are also to be applied at home. Therefore, we promote a network of stores and consumer cooperatives selling organic products and promoting fair trade. In our stores you can find food products, handicrafts, books and materials on social movements in Catalonia. At present, we have retail outlets and consumer groups in the districts of Ciutat Vella, Eixample, Gracia in Barcelona and San Antonio and Santa Eulalia district in L'Hospitalet.