The Importance of Fairtrade Fortnight

As we enter into this year's Fairtrade Fortnight, which will start on Monday 27th February and end on Sunday 12th March, we thought that it would be apt to take a look at why this campaign is so important and how you can get involved.

What is Fairtrade Fortnight?

Fairtrade Fortnight is a two-week campaign that runs every year with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of fair trade and encouraging consumers to choose products that have the Fairtrade certification.

Fairtrade refers to the global movement, and certification system, that seeks to ensure that producers in developing countries are paid fairly for their labour and products. The main purpose of this movement is to combat poverty, inequality and exploitation in global trade.
This exploitation often takes the form of low wages, long working hours, poor working conditions, and environmental degradation, among other issues.

In addition, multinational corporations often have more power and resources than local producers and suppliers, which can lead to unfair business practices and unequal distribution of profits. For example, companies may force suppliers to accept low prices for their products or to meet unrealistic production targets, putting pressure on workers and leading to poor working conditions and labour rights violations.

During Fairtrade Fortnight, events are organized to promote Fairtrade products and inspire consumers to make more ethical purchasing choices.
The campaign also highlights the stories of the farmers and products who benefit from fair trade, and the positive impact that this movement can have on their lives and communities.

How Fairtrade is making positive change

By supporting Fairtrade, consumers can help to create a more equitable and sustainable global economy in several ways:

1. Fair wages: Fairtrade guarantees that smallholders farmers and producers are paid a fair price for their products which helps to improve their standard of living and provides them with a sustainable livelihood. 
   
   
2. Better working conditions: Fairtrade standards require that workers have access to safe working conditions and the right to organize and bargain collectively.
   
   
3. Environmental sustainability: Fairtrade standards require that producers use sustainable farming practices that minimize their environmental impact and help to mitigate climate change.
   
   
4. Community development: Fairtrade premiums are paid to producers to invest in community projects such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. This helps to improve the quality of life for producers, their families and the local community.
   
   
5. Empowerment: Fairtrade empowers producers and workers by giving them a voice in the marketplace, enabling them to negotiate better prices for their products, and providing them with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.

It is clear to see that there are many reasons to get behind Fairtrade and start purchasing their products.

Fairtrade Fortnight, in particular, is an important opportunity to raise awareness about these important issues and encourage more people to make a difference.

The 2023 Fairtrade Fortnight campaign

The 2023 campaign highlights the urgent threat to the future of the foods we love and the livelihoods of the people who grow them. The current economic crisis is having a heavy toll on smallholder farmers and workers and if producers can't earn enough to cover costs, then they won't be available to continue to grow food.

By choosing Fairtrade products, you are taking a stand with farmers and workers worldwide for fairer incomes so they can continue to financially support themselves.

Ways to get involved in Fairtrade Fortnight

The best way to get involved in Fairtrade Fortnight and support the cause is by purchasing Fairtrade certified products, such as our Fairtrade bags.
This collection of certified bags guarantees that the cotton and canvas used have met strict ethical and environmental standards.
In order to earn the Fairtrade certification, these bags have met the rigorous standards set by Fairtrade to ensure fair and ethical trade relations between small-scale farmers in third world countries and global buyers or distributors.  This means that farmers and workers receive fair pay, safe working conditions and workers' rights whilst shoppers receive high-quality, ethically produced bags that they can feel good about using time and time again.

With over 6000 other Fairtrade products to choose from, including chocolate, flowers and wine, it is easy enough to show your support – just look for the black, green and blue Fairtrade label.

There are a few other ways to get involved too:

• Join local campaign groups in your area
• Sign and share petitions
• Educate yourself on the organisation and the issues that it is trying to combat
• Start a fundraiser such as a Fairtrade coffee morning or a fun run
• Donate directly to the cause