Fairtrade Fortnight 2022 runs from 21 February to 6 March and the campaign for climate justice continues, with a view to ensuring that farmers overseas can benefit from fairer prices and the resources needed
to tackle ecological issues.
Events have been organised in East Dunbartonshire to raise awareness and encourage an appetite for change.
The pandemic has greatly affected the activities of local Fairtrade groups over the last two years and they have relied on technology to continue to get the message across.
However, with the situation improving and restrictions easing, a wide range of events will take place on weekends during this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight:
- On Saturday 26 February, Lenzie and Kirkintilloch Fairtrade groups will be at the new Locavore store in Cowgate, Kirkintilloch - helping to promote their Fairtrade produce and handing out Fair Food recipe cards free to customers. The recipe cards have been designed to help the average cook use Fairtrade products for the food we eat every day - tried and tested by local Fairtrade people.
- Something a bit more exotic will take place on Sunday 27 February when Gavin’s Mill in Milngavie holds an afternoon tea event highlighting women’s co-operative Meru, who produce jams and sauces in Kenya. Managing Director Sally Sawaya will join via Zoom and scones with Meru jam will be available to try. That Sunday there will also be Fairtrade stalls at both Lenzie Old and Lenzie Union Parish Churches.
- The following weekend kicks off with a Lenzie Fairtrade stall in The Old Gatehouse, Lenzie, from 11am-3pm on Saturday 5 March, following a successful Christmas market debut where Fairtrade products proved popular.
- On Sunday 6 March, St Mary’s Parish Church in Kirkintilloch will be hosting a Kilombero rice challenge in the hope of selling 90kg - the amount a farmer in Malawi needs to sell to send one child to secondary school for a year. Not only is Kilombero rice delicious, it was also voted the most ethically-produced rice by Ethical Consumer Magazine.
- For the Fairtrade Fortnight 2022 finale - and in the spirit of leaving the best till last - Gavin’s Mill in Milngavie will be holding a Fairtrade Bake Off on Sunday 6 March from 1-4pm. Prue and Paul couldn’t make it, but there will be local judges and plenty of cake for everyone to try! There are three categories: for primary school children; secondary school pupils; and adults. Please visit the events section of the Gavins Mill website to download your registration form.
Liz Ibbotson, of Lenzie Fair Trade, said, "The people of East Dunbartonshire have responded magnificently to our online activities during the pandemic and have continued to buy Fairtrade products in local shops where available.
"They have also supported our online 'virtual' shops and church stalls whenever possible. However, there is no substitute for getting together socially. We really look forward to meeting people once again and hope they will feel able to support our events during Fairtrade Fortnight 2022."
Check out the East Dunbartonshire Fairtrade Group Facebook page for further details and updates - Facebook
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said, "I would encourage as many people as possible to support Fairtrade Fortnight, which aims to raise awareness of how we can all play a part in supporting farmers in developing countries to benefit from fairer prices and cope with climate change."
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, added, "East Dunbartonshire was designated a Fairtrade Zone in October 2007 - one of Scotland's first - and it's important we continue working together with local communities, organisations and traders on this important issue."
- This year's Fairtrade Fortnight focuses on support for the farmers behind our food on the front line of the climate crisis.
- Many people do not realise that farmers in poor countries are disproportionally affected by climate change. Crops and livestock are affected by late rains, floods, unusual droughts, damaging winds and unprecedented high temperatures.
- In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought even more problems to producers already struggling in countries where the financial safety nets we take for granted simply don’t exist.
- Fairtrade gives farmers more income, so they are better able to cope with these changes and the Fairtrade guaranteed minimum price means better financial security so they can plan in advance to meet new challenges.
- Visit Fairtrade for more information on how to get involved.
Follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil or like us on Facebook