Fairtrade Fortnight starts today

Monday 26 February 2018

A number of events are planned over the next two weeks to further promote the use of Fairtrade products across the Bailiwick.

Fairtrade Guernsey said it is using the fortnight to call on the local community "to open their doors to Fairtrade" and to "close the door on the exploitation facing the people who produce the things we love to eat, drink and wear."

The nationwide Fairtrade Fortnight campaign ‘Come On In’ will run from today, Monday 26 February, until Sunday 11 March. During that time, Fairtrade Guernsey is hoping to encourage members of the public to "see the difference choosing Fairtrade makes, by supporting farmers working hard for a fairer deal to bring resilience and hope to their communities."

Among the events planned in Guernsey is a talk at Les Cotils this evening by Professor Kevin Bales CMG, who is described as an expert on modern day slavery.

A number of events have been planned within local schools, including at La Mare De Carteret Primary School on Wednesday when a special assembly will be hosted.

Les Rocquettes Hotel is among the businesses supporting Fairtrade Fortnight with a “Special Fairtrade Menu” for the duration.

Fairtrade Guernsey spokesperson, Steve Mauger, said:

“So many of our favourite drinks, snacks, clothes and even special jewellery are produced at the expense of someone else. Whether in Guernsey or in Africa, everyone should have the best opportunity to make a decent living. Our simple choices like our morning cup of tea or coffee can be the difference between fair wages and poor living standards for a farmer in Ghana. If we don’t consider the impact of these choices we may unconsciously be feeding exploitation. We have the opportunity to make things better.” 

Guernsey has already taken big steps towards embracing Fairtrade, with the island awarded Fairtrade Island Status by the Fairtrade Foundation in March 2006. Mr Mauger said that was a very proud moment:

"We have seen what a difference Fairtrade can make around the world. Fairtrade Guernsey has over 250 businesses, restaurants, shops, cafes, schools, churches, organisations registered locally as supporters of Fairtrade. Yet still not enough people are choosing Fairtrade and not enough farmers are benefiting. We need everyone in the community to get behind farmers and their families this Fortnight.”