At the start of Fairtade Fortnight, the Revd Gary Crellin, Diocesan Rural Mission Enabler, offers this reflection:
This week, our church Lectionary reminds us that we start 'Fairtrade fortnight'. When we choose to buy anything with the Fairtrade sign on it we are choosing to give fairer pay, and more power into the hands of farmers around the world. They can build a fairer future for their community, making sure that standards of living improve and children get an education. Fairtrade ensures the money goes to the producers, rather than to middle-men, allowing them to choose what they spend on their community or business.
Fairtrade is 50 percent owned by farmers and workers; they can join unions; work in safer conditions; and men and women have the chance to have their voices heard. Rosine Bekoin, a cocoa farmer in Cote d'Ivoire says 'Fairtrade has enabled us to do many things...to advance our children ... and to build for the future'. If you have never bought Fairtrade items, look for coffee, chocolate or bananas as a starter in your supermarket.
