The head of Fairtrade Foundation has warned of 'profound consequences' for poor farmers around the world once the U.K. leaves the European Union (EU).

Chief executive Michael Gidney says this would include farmers growing all manner of fairtrade products.

According to the Foundation, all the trade agreements currently in place via the EU will need to be renegotiated and the British government 'bears a heavy responsibility' to ensure any new trade deals are 'truly fair'.

Gidney also says how other U.K. policies such as the ability to specify ethical criteria in public procurement could change, stressing that the interest of poor farmers and workers must be properly considered during any policy reviews.

"The government must fully uphold its international development commitments in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and ensure that the impact of the decision to leave does not fall on those least able to bear it," Gidney says.

"Fairtrade will be working to ensure that the farmers and workers around the world who grow our food are not forgotten. We will continue to fight for trade justice.

"The decision to leave the European Union will have profound consequences for poor farmers and workers around the world, including those growing Fairtrade products."

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