The Fairtrade Choice – the power to bring change

Every one of us has the power to bring change to farmers and communities around the world through the choices we make when we go shopping.  The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal is encouraging all our parishes and people to make that ‘Fairtrade Choice’.

It’s easy to buy Fairtrade – most supermarkets across the island of Ireland stock a wide range of Fairtrade products, all bearing the Fairtrade mark.  From tea, coffee, sugar and cocoa, to cut flowers, bananas, nuts, fruit and vegetables, chocolate, cotton and cold drinks – and even gold, there are so many easily accessible products that are certified Fairtrade, that we are literally spoilt for choice. Simply look for the distinctive Fairtrade mark on the things you are buying anyway, and swop to Fairtrade whenever you can.

Making that Fairtrade choice is one simple way that we can support the farmers who are producing these products. Being part of the Fairtrade Foundation means that they not only get paid a fair price for their produce, but they also benefit from support and help with combatting the impact of climate change – support with adapting their crops and farming methods to protect themselves and their families.

Fairtrade works with co–operatives, businesses and governments to make trade fairer, with a vision to see a world in which trade is based on fairness so that producers earn secure and sustainable livelihoods.

During September there is a special focus on Fairtrade Fortnight with many supermarkets stocking extra Fairtrade ranges, so that the choice is even easier.  Look out for the logo next time you are shopping and see what could be your new favourite.

This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from Monday, 9th September, to Sunday, 22nd September 2024.  Find out more through the Fairtrade websites for the UK and Ireland: www.fairtrade.org.uk and www.fairtrade.ie