14th Feb 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Fairtrade Fortnight, which kicks off from 24 February at London's Southbank, is offering visitors the chance to sample some of the 3,000 Fairtrade items that have now been certified, as well as taking them on a guided tour of eight Fairtrade towns and cities across the UK.
A series of talks by Fairtrade producers from countries around the world will also be available, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the farmers and workers behind the fair-trade products, and learn the difference that these products are making to the community.
The Choose Fairtrade bus will travel to Ipswich, Leeds, Sunderland, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff and Bristol. It will provide interactive displays and activities, live music, discussions, competitions, and the chance to sample Fairtrade products.
Harriet Lamb, Fairtrade Foundation executive director, commented: "We hope that people roll up to join in the fairground fun, and learn about the serious message behind Fairtrade as well. Millions of farmers and workers are walking the delicate tightrope of international trade. When market prices wobble they risk falling into devastating poverty. Fairtrade offers them stability, so they have the confidence to look ahead and move towards a better future."
Fairtrade is already making a big difference to the lives of more than seven million people in the developing world.
New Fairtrade cookbooks will also be available in time for Fairtrade Fortnight, containing Fairtrade recipes from top chefs, celebrities and members of the public.
The annual campaign is promoted by networks around the country including charities, trade unions, student groups and churches. There are now more than 300 Fairtrade towns and cities across the UK, as well as 60 Fairtrade universities.
The event is organised by the Fairtrade Foundation and backed by organisations, charities and businesses that support or sell Fairtrade products.