Fairtrade Fortnight 2025 is from 22 September to 5 October and, as a Fairtrade church, we’ll be celebrating with communities across the UK and around the world that are ‘doing it fair’. This year’s theme is ‘Brew it Fair’, and we’re holding a coffee morning to deliver this powerful message on Saturday 27th September from 10.00 to noon. Do please come along to support it.
The Fairtrade model is an international certification system that promotes fair trade, guaranteeing producers in developing countries fairer and more sustainable trading conditions. Through rigorous standards, Fairtrade ensures that certified products are made with respect for workers’ rights and the environment, giving consumers the opportunity to make ethical and responsible choices. The Key features of the Fairtrade model are:
- Fairtrade Minimum Price: It ensures producers a stable price that covers sustainable production costs, protecting them from market fluctuations.
- Fairtrade Premium: An additional fund intended for community projects, such as the construction of schools, infrastructure and health services, democratically decided by community members.
- Ethical working conditions: It promotes respect for workers’ rights, prohibits child labour and provides workplace safety regulations, ensuring safe and dignified working environments.
- Sustainable agricultural practices: It encourages environmentally friendly farming methods, reducing the use of pesticides and favouring environmentally friendly techniques.
- Strict Certification: Manufacturers must adhere to specific criteria and undergo periodic audits to maintain certification.
Fairtrade is a simple way each one of us can make a difference through our everyday choices. These days you might have to search harder for Fairtrade alternatives in supermarkets but do keep looking out for the Fairtrade mark.