Fairtrade Fortnight – Choose the world you want
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from the 22nd February to the 7th March in 2021, the 26th annual celebration of all things Fairtrade.
In the beginning Fairtrade Fortnight was launched to bring together campaigners, businesses and producers, raising awareness of trade justice. It now provides an opportunity for thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK to come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes – people who are often exploited and underpaid.
There are strong links between co-operatives, community businesses and Fairtrade. We are all part of businesses and organisations operating primarily for people, planet and community, and it’s no surprise that these businesses, whether large or small, tend to stock a wealth of fairly traded produce, from rubber gloves to chocolate to footballs and beyond.
We’ve all heard of ‘being the change’ – this Fairtrade Fortnight the focus is on Climate Change and we are being asked to Choose The World We Want.
Climate change brings increasing challenges to farmers and workers in the communities Fairtrade works with. Farmers and workers who have done the least to contribute to climate change, are disproportionately affected by it. They have told the Fairtrade Foundation that:
- Climate change is one of their biggest challenges right now.
- Low prices for their crops mean that they are struggling to fight back.
- Only with more money will they feel equipped to meet their everyday needs and deal with the challenges they face from climate change.
We can all play our part this Fairtrade Fortnight, whether by sharing messages on Social Media, hosting an online meeting or event with dedicated backdrops, or just pledging to try Fairtrade tea, coffee, chocolate during this time.
Check out the Resources folder here for ideas, key messages, and everything you need to raise awareness this Fairtrade Fortnight. Whatever you decide to do, be the change you wish to see.