Fairtrade Fortnight: Community initiatives supporting the cause

As one of the biggest advocates of Fairtrade on our High Street, Co-op today played host to community-led initiatives in support of Fairtrade Fortnight.

Members of the Honiton-based East Devon Fairer World Group set up in the shop in Lace Walk to showcase Fairtrade items and explain how buying products bearing the logo actually supports communities all over the world.

Nub News spoke to representative Geoff Gilbert, who said: "Fairtrade Fortnight is every year during the last week in February and the first week in March.

"It focusses on what Fairtrade is and what the benefits are.

"The main point to make, as far as I am concerned, is that if what you're buying has the Fairtrade mark then you know that the community is benefitting.

"What Fairtrade does is that within the price you pay for the product, a small amount goes to the community where it is produced.

"The community then gets to decide what that money is spent on; it might be a school, a hospital ward; a doctor - there are lots of examples.

"The Co-op is a big advocate for Fairtrade and have been for 25 years.

"We think it's better to trade than to give aid. When you give money to people it quickly disappears - often without any long-term benefits.

"But when you have trade contract agreement, it can serve a community for years as a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"That's why it's important to promote it."

They were joined by Honiton Carers Support Group, who were also there in support of Fairtrade Fortnight, but were raising awareness for their own special cause.

Chair of the group, Winnie Cameron said: "When we realised it was Fairtrade Fortnight we had already read that Honiton was trying to become a Fairtrade town and we thought what a great opportunity to support the cause, as well as raise awareness for carers.

"Already this morning we've signed up two new carers to receive support from Devon Carers, so we're really happy about that."

At the last Honiton Town Council meeting it was decided that Honiton is to be considered a Fairtrade Town with a discussion as to how it will qualify for that status - read more by clicking the red button below.