Fairtrade Fortnight aims to shine spotlight on farming climate crisis
Fairtrade Fortnight 2023, which runs from Monday February 27 to Sunday March 12, will once again shine a spotlight on the climate crisis and the increasing threat it poses to some of the planet’s most beloved food products as well as the livelihoods of the farmers and agricultural workers who grow them.
It will show how the future survival of the world’s most popular foods – such as bananas, cocoa, and coffee – hangs in the balance unless inclusive and equitable climate solutions are achieved, with farmers and agricultural workers playing a central role in the climate response.
Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit – and with an estimated global export value of $7 billion dollars per year, the banana trade remains the cornerstone of many countries’ economies.
For more than 450 million people around the world, bananas and plantains are vital staple crops, particularly in lower-income nations.
But amid the impact of climate change and the resulting threats posed by plant diseases like Fusarium TR4, the future of bananas is increasingly at risk.
The North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone group will be celebrating FTFT 2023 by putting small displays in local libraries and Co-op stores, including Brodick, and giving presentations to several schools
North Ayrshire Fair Trade Zone Group consists of individuals and representatives of local organisations who work together to achieve and maintain Fair Trade status for the North Ayrshire local council area.
Currently North Ayrshire is classed as a Fair Trade Zone.
This means that the area is recognised by the Fair Trade Foundation as a place that supports sustainable development and also supports fair wages and prices for people who produce goods in some of the world’s poorest countries .
Encouraging Fair Trade goods can also bring economic development to North Ayrshire by promoting local businesses that use or stock Fair Trade goods.
Any individual or organisation in North Ayrshire is very welcome to become part of the Zone Group and receive updates from the organisation .
To become a member of the Zone Group please email group chair Jan MacGregor on janmacgregor45@ gmail.com or phone 01770 700249.
To find out more about how to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2023, visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk/ get-involved/current-campaigns/ fairtrade-fortnight/.