How you can support Fairtrade Fortnight

Words: Sam Lewis

For two weeks every year, thousands of organisations and communities come together to raise awareness for the farming industry. It is known as Fairtrade Fortnight.

Starting in Edinburgh in 1997 (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) (Fairtrade Certified products becoming available in 1994); it is now celebrated in a number of countries around the world.

Taking place from 21st February 2022 to 6th March 2022, this year’s focus is on climate change, and the growing problems this poses to farmers and workers within the Fairtrade community.

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Credit: iStock

What is Fairtrade and why is it important?

The aim of Fairtrade Fortnight is to transform and celebrate those in developing countries who are exploited and underpaid, yet grow the food supplied here; The pandemic has shown just how interconnected the world is which is at the heart of the Fairtrade message.

Those in vulnerable countries are already seeing the impact of the climate crisis through droughts, crop diseases, floods, heatwaves and shrinking harvests—to name a few. (Our article on Steady explores how Fairtrade works and how it helps workers in developing countries).

Farmers and workers in countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia, who have done the least to contribute to climate change, are disproportionately affected by it, due to consistent low prices for their produce; This means they aren’t equipped to meet everyday needs and cope with the adversity they face from climate change.

It is more important than ever to continue to support Fairtrade producers and farmers and understand that we all rely on each other. The environment is the perfect example of this, it is something that will affect us all at some point but is already putting pressure on many Fairtrade producers with the global climate crisis being a fickle threat.

Buying Fairtrade products assures that there are agreed terms for both farmers and workers in developing countries.

It essentially means better prices, working conditions and increased sustainability.

Credit: iStock

How can you take part?

Joining a movement that’s based on equality in several senses, even in the most minute way, makes a difference. So what can you do?

Look for the Fairtrade symbol

When purchasing these products, you know that a fair price has been paid to all workers involved.

And you can’t miss them—over 4,500 different Fairtrade products are available to buy in UK supermarkets and stores.

The most common products are bananas and coffee, however, there are a bunch of other items that have the Fairtrade symbol.

Credit: Sam Lewis

Next time you need a pick-me-up and head to a local independent coffee shop, ask whether their coffee is Fairtrade – if you’re only local is a chain coffee store, try Greggs or Starbucks as both of their coffee is Fairtrade.

Choosing to buy fair trade is everyday activism and is the simplest way to change the world.

Attend the annual festival

The online “Choose the World you Want Festival (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)” will return following last year’s success which included online panels, Q&A’s, “bake-offs” and coffee mornings—over 50 virtual events took place, with many returning this year.

Conversations sparked from these events aim to ensure farmers and workers are at the forefront of conversations on how to tackle the climate crisis.

Alternatively, you could host your own, which is encouraged; if you feel comfortable running a public event in person—whether it’s a stall, coffee morning or quiz night—any event helps spread the fair trade message.

Raise awareness

This time of year is ideal to educate yourselves (and one another) on what fairtrade is, why it’s important and the impact it has.

To do this, you can access a plethora of resources online, as well as the numerous ones that are on the Fairtrade Foundation website.

Here (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) you can find information on campaigning, how to utilise social media, donating and what you can do within your community.

It doesn’t have to start and end now

On the last Friday of every month, people, companies and supporters come together online, to raise awareness of the farmers and workers around the world who grow the food we eat and make the clothes we wear

There’s also a chance to win a Fairtrade Valentine’s Day selection, with goodies from places such as Asda and Co-op which both stock fairtrade products.

Credit: Fairtrade America

How does Fairtrade work?

Since Fairtrade Fortnight 2021, the G7 and COP26 summits have taken place to address issues in climate and agriculture. However, the pandemic has displayed even bigger challenges than ever and the adversity that farmers must face now is rife.

There is ongoing poverty within the international farming community, making it strenuous to cope with the effects climate change brings which is why they need a fair price for their crops.

When organisations and businesses sell products through Fairtrade, they receive what’s known as Fairtrade premium. They’re paid the Fairtrade minimum price — it’s up to the farmers and workers to decide how to use the premium.

They have several options, including buying farming equipment, investing in switching to organic farming, as well as building hospitals and wells.

This lets them decide what’s most important to purchase, giving them control towards developing and improving their livelihoods.

Credit: iStock

How it helps those in developing countries

The Fairtrade Foundation said that The Fairtrade Standards deem it a necessity for employers to pay a wage that progresses towards living wage benchmarks.

This ensures that Fairtrade workers are provided with a stable income, which should significantly improve available opportunities for themselves and their families.

The Fairtrade Standards include price (minimum wage), the environment, the Fairtrade premium and women's empowerment.