Fairtrade campaigner all set for conference

A CAMPAIGNER from Barwell is taking part in a conference to celebrate the Fairtrade Foundation.

Mathew Hulbert, chairman of the Hinckley and Bosworth Fairtrade Forum, will join a host of others for the 2019 East Midlands Fairtrade Supporter conference.

The event will include talks and opportunities to discuss campaigning ideas and marks 25 years since the Fairtrade mark launched in the UK.

Mr Hulbert spoke of his excitement about the get-together.

He said: “It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the Fairtrade Foundation’s 25th anniversary, hear from brilliant speakers, network with other campaigners and look ahead to Fairtrade Fortnight 2020.

“We volunteer campaigners, across the region, love promoting Fairtrade because we know that buying goods with the Fairtrade mark on them ensures more of the money we pay, a fairer amount, goes to the original farmer, grower or miner in the developing world.

“I’d encourage Fairtrade campaigners and supporters, in Hinckley and Bosworth and across the region, to register online for this special day.”

More than 1.6 million farmers and workers across 74 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system. Julia Nicoara, director of public engagement at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Today the Fairtrade mark is the best known and most trusted ethical label in the UK. Because of the Fairtrade movement in Hinckley and Bosworth, more Fairtrade products are sold and more people benefit directly from a fair price from the Fairtrade minimum price and premium for their hard work.

“It is testament to Fairtrade campaigners that the movement has such strength and the mark is now visible on over 6,000 products.”

The conference is taking place at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham.