Take a Fairtrade break this fortnight

Arran is taking part in this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight which is currently under way.

North Ayrshire Fairtrade zone group is calling on everyone who lives and works in North Ayrshire to put Fairtrade into their break. Having the perfect cuppa or a snack is an important part of daily routines, yet millions of farmers who produce the treats we enjoy during our breaks are struggling to make a living.

Fairtrade breaks are taking place on the opening days of Brodick Library between 10.30am and noon until Sunday March 12. Several schools are also holding Fairtrade breaks.

North Ayrshire is a Fairtrade Zone and it is also encouraging churches and faith groups in North Ayrshire to host coffee morning breaks.

In Kenya’s coffee and tea-growing regions one in three people live in poverty, while tea pickers in Malawi earn less than £1.46 a day. This is not enough to provide food, education or healthcare for their families or invest in improving their farms.

Joe Broussard, chairperson of NA Fairtrade Zone Group, said: ‘The food on our tables, the tea and coffee in our mugs, all comes from farmers who work hard but are not paid what they deserve. When we reach for the cheapest products, we may be unconsciously feeding exploitation.’

For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/fortnight or the local contacts Joe Broussard at joe@ broussard.co.uk or Jan MacGregor at janmacgregor45@gmail.com.