Over the past 20 years, the Fairtrade Mark has become
the biggest and best known ethical label in the UK.
However, recent research shows that while 78% of the
UK public recognise the Mark, over half still don’t actively
choose Fairtrade products. When asked, people say this
is mostly because they don’t know what Fairtrade does
or don’t believe buying it has any benefits.
So for Fairtrade Fortnight (23 Feb – 8 March), the spotlight is being turned on those
who grow Fairtrade products, reminding people of the dramatic difference Fairtrade
makes and how much it is still needed.
Through fairer prices, better working conditions and an estimated 68.7 million of
Fairtrade Premium generated globally last year, Fairtrade products are helping to
transform the livelihoods of more than 1.4 million people in 74 different countries.
Albert Guébré, a Fairtrade cocoa farmer from Côte d’Ivoire, says: “Cocoa enables me to
educate my children…the co-operative helps us with schooling loans at the beginning
of the school year. Now that I have grandchildren, more sales of Fairtrade cocoa would
enable me to better support my family.”
Despite Fairtrade’s success, on average Fairtrade cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire are
only able to sell around 13% of their cocoa on Fairtrade terms, even though 100% of
their cocoa is grown and certified to Fairtrade Standards. If the farmers were able to sell
more on Fairtrade terms it would enable them to have a village school or a health clinic.
Please pray for all those who are involved in providing us with Fairtrade products; that
the brand will continue to increase in popularity and that more lives will be transformed
as a result.
Dudley Deanery – Rural Dean: Dominic Melville; Lay Chair: John Layton
Diocese of Peterborough: Bishop Donald Allister with Bishop John Holbrook (Brixworth)
Diocese of Meath and Kildare (Ireland): Bishop Pat Storey
Diocese of Mbale (Uganda): Bishop Patrick Gidudu
