Residents of Sutton enjoyed opportunities to sample Fairtrade goods, – chocolate, bananas and cake, – in St Nicholas centre on Saturday to mark Fairtrade fortnight.
The Mayor of Sutton Sean Brennan also pledged his support by attending the Fairtrade stall.
Fairtrade fortnight is a national event that aims to ensure that Fairtrade is kept on the agenda locally and nationally. Any product with the mark brings with it a guarantee that producers are paid a fair price for what they grow and sell, that environmental standards are met and children are not exploited. So simply by the way we shop Sutton residents can make a direct difference in preventing poverty.
This year the focus of Fairtrade fortnight is the “ unfair banana “ Although the banana business is booming around the world (fourth most important food crop after rice , wheat and maize) the reality is that many banana farmers cannot afford to put food on the table or provide health and education for their families. This is because of the way in which the price of bananas has been forced down through supermarket competition. You can help – look for the Fairtrade banana your local supermarket and if is is not here, – do ask!
Councillor Simon Wales said: “It’s fantastic that Sutton is playing its part in Fairtrade fortnight, it is vital to spread the message about Fairtrade and to urge people to buy products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark. Choosing Fairtrade is one way to help secure a better deal for millions of people in developing countries”
2014 is the 20th year of the Fair-trade movement which has been transformative to the lives of many farmers – but could assist so many more if we increase our “ Fairtrade shopping “. To assist Sutton shoppers the Sutton Fairtrade community group have produced a directory of Fairtrade goods that are available in the borough.