Kokova Magazine

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from the 23rd February through to the 8th March 2015. And you can find everything you need to get your community involved at www.fairtrade.org.uk/fortnight

Since the first Fairtrade Fortnight in 1995 things have come so far - from educating the public on why to choose Fairtrade to increasing sales on Fairtrade terms for marginalised producers. Over the past 20 years the Fairtrade mark has become the biggest and best known ethical label in the UK.

But there is still a long way to go to make all trade fair - just 1.2% of cocoa and less than 10% of tea globally is traded on Fairtrade terms.

"People buying products with the FAIRTRADE Mark is one of the most powerful ways Fairtrade delivers impact for producers. More sales on Fairtrade terms means more Fairtrade benefits for farmers, workers and their communities - and more lives transformed.

Global trade is not working for the world’s poorest. The ongoing price war between supermarkets is one of the major reasons why farmers in developing countries still can’t afford to put enough food on the table for their families, or provide the basics such as education or healthcare.

Fairtrade has paved the way for ethical trading but we - shoppers - need to keep driving the benefits for the smallholder farmers, particularly those not selling on Fairtrade terms, so they can provide a better future for themselves and their families."

Cheryl McGechie, Director of Public Engagement at the Fairtrade Foundation

So for Fairtrade Fortnight 2015 the focus is on celebrating the impact of Fairtrade and turning a spotlight on the producers who grow the products we love. By sharing their stories in a fresh and compelling way, the UK is reminded of the dramatic difference choosing Fairtrade makes and how much it is still needed.

Whether you are an individual or part of a Fairtrade group, there will be opportunities to take action.