Be the Change and support Fairtrade Fortnight

Cheshire West and Chester Council and its partners are once again celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight which this year takes place between Monday 9th September and Sunday 22nd September 2024.

2024’s theme is urging everyone to Be the Change, by picking up Fairtrade products and speaking up for fairer trade.

The campaign has moved to September for the very first time, as the Fairtrade movement marks 30 years since Fairtrade products first hit shelves in the UK.

There are now around 5000 Fairtrade products available to buy in the UK, and all major retailers and many brands use Fairtrade certified ingredients.

It will emphasise how the cumulative effect of our shopping choices have contributed to change, allowing farmers and agricultural workers overseas to create a better future, but more is urgently needed.

Councillor Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Workforce, Equality and Democracy, said:

“Each time you choose Fairtrade when you shop, you are acting in solidarity with farmers who grow your food. Fairtrade means producers receive a fairer price, can afford to feed their families, send their children to school, and cover their farming costs.

“We can all Be The Change by choosing to buy more Fairtrade products.  Fairtrade is helping to protect some of the UK’s most loved food and drinks products – including coffee, tea and cocoa – and the farmers that grow them, which are at risk from the impacts of unfair trade in the face of climate change.”

The Council has recently achieved accreditation as a Fairtrade Community.

This latest accreditation confirms the Council’s commitment over the next two years to be a strategic partner within the borough.

This will involve raising the profile of Fairtrade in the ever-challenging financial climate for consumers and to be recognised as a borough that actively supports and promotes Fairtrade.  Encouraging the sale and use of products with the Fairtrade mark.

Cllr Donovan added:

“Now the new school year has begun, we will be working to share information with schools in the borough to help get the message to children and young people, so they can Be the Change and become champions for Fairtrade.”

Events taking place as part of Fairtrade Fortnight include a Craft Fair in Wesley Church Centre, Chester on Thursday 12 September which is free to join and all materials will be provided, organised by the Chester Fairtrade group.

The Neston Fairtrade Group is holding a Fairtrade Fashion Show, organised by the charity Chifundo UK with sustainable products and clothing on sale. Proceeds will be used to empower girls and women in Malawi. The Fashion show will be held at the Neston URC on Friday 20 September, 7.30pm.  Tickets are £4 from Derrie Lizi on 07962 056581.

There will be special promotions at Chester Fairtrading – Chester’s only dedicated Fairtrade shop throughout the fortnight.  Plus a Fairtrade stall at the Huntington Fete on Saturday 14 September at Jubilee Fields.

On-line events have been arranged by the Fairtrade Foundation too:

Be the Change Global Get Together: 

Join Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Canada for a special event featuring campaigners and producers from around the world sharing their stories and insights on 30 years of Fairtrade impact.

Date: Tuesday 1 October

Time: 6pm – 7:30pm

Be the Change School Assemblies: 

Designed specifically for school children, these sessions offer an engaging way for students to learn about Fairtrade and its global impact.

Date: Wednesday 18 September

Time: 9am - 10am and 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Sign up for the events here

To find out more about how to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight, visit: 

www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight/ 

#FairtradeFortnight

• About Fairtrade: Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in low-income countries.
   
• Shoppers continue to support Fairtrade, with 2023 retail sales of Fairtrade products generating around £28 million in Fairtrade Premium payments for producers to invest in business, community and projects of their choice including healthcare, education and environmental initiatives.

• Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organisation representing 2 million small-scale farmers and workers worldwide. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark of Fairtrade that appears on more than 30,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations – including the Fairtrade Foundations - support producers, partner with businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future. Fairtrade.org.uk
   
• Fairtrade Premium payments are unique to Fairtrade certified products. Over and above the Fairtrade price, the Fairtrade Premium is an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund for workers and farmers to use – as they see fit – to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.