22/02/2021 marked the beginning of Fairtrade Fortnight 2021. Choosing Fairtrade is about social justice. It’s about choosing to support farmers and choosing climate resilience for the people who have least contributed to the climate crisis. It’s about choosing to act now.
But what actually is Fairtade? Where did it begin, and what does it mean?
Fairtrade began in response to the struggles of Mexican coffee farmers following the collapse of world coffee prices in the late 1980s. The Fairtrade Foundation, the UK branch, was then founded in 1992. Now, it’s about much more that cocoa and coffee with all sorts of Fairtrade products available on the market.
In 2020 alone, UK shoppers helped generate $41 million in Fairtrade Premium for Fairtrade communities. All products carrying the ‘FAIRTRADE’ mark must adhere to rigorous rules. All these rules are aimed at protecting workers and the environment, so you know that Fairtrade means products are reliable.
What is Fairtrade Fortnight?
For two weeks a year, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share Fairtrade stories. The stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes. People who are often exploited and underpaid
This is why we’re proud to support farmers and workers. This year, Fairtrade Fortnight focuses on supporting farmers in their fight against the climate crisis. Choosing Fairtrade is about social justice, and there is no social justice without climate justice so we stand with the farmers.
Poverty is also a key contributor to further environmental degradation. It contributes to the inability for farmers to adapt to environmental shocks. By working with Fairtrade we strengthen environmental and climate protection for our farmers and workers. By choosing Fairtrade products, you too make a wider positive impact on the planet.
Learn more about Fairtrade Fortnight and The Fairtrade Foundation Here.
Enter Quinola’s Fairtrade Giveaway Here.