Did you know that coffee, bananas and chocolate could soon be more difficult to buy? With climate change making these crops harder to grow and farmers faced with deeply unfair trade prices, communities growing these crops are being pushed to the brink. But here’s the good news; by making the small switch this Fairtrade Fortnight (27 February - 12 March), you could help support producers in protecting the future of some of our most-loved food and the planet.
The current financial crisis is taking a heavy toll on smallholder farmers and workers, with the costs of fuel, fertiliser and food all increasing beyond what is affordable. If they aren’t getting a fair price to cover their costs at this critical time, it means they won’t be able to grow food in the future.
Whatever your budget and wherever you shop, consumers can choose Fairtrade products today. Buying Fairtrade results in extra income, power and support for those farmers and communities.
Top tips on how you could make the positive change towards a Fairtrade lifestyle:
- When shopping, choose products with the Fairtrade mark
- Ask your local retailer to stock a selection of Fairtrade items
- Organise Fairtrade coffee mornings with your friends, workplace or community groups
Antrim and Newtownabbey is a Fairtrade Borough and this accreditation demonstrates the commitment from all sectors of the community to promote and use fairly traded products.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said, “As a Fairtrade Borough, I encourage residents to get into the habit of buying Fairtrade not just for a fortnight, but on a regular basis. By purchasing Fairtrade you are supporting a fair income for farmers which is more vital than ever during the current global financial crisis.”
By choosing Fairtrade now, you’re taking a stand with farmers and workers for fairer incomes, so together we can protect the future of our food. For more details on how to get involved in Fairtrade fortnight visit www.fairtrade.org.uk or contact
E. Fairtrade@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk