The Fairtrade Foundation is rallying its network of over a thousand local community groups to push for climate justice for farmers battling deforestation in low-income countries.
- Thousands of Fairtrade campaigners across the UK to push for climate justice this Great Big Green Week.
- Farmers and workers bear the brunt of the climate crisis, facing flood damage, rising temperatures, and crop diseases.
This year’s Great Big Green Week theme from The Climate Coalition is ‘Let’s Swap Together for Good’ will see community events cover all aspect of climate change and nature protection. The theme will encourage groups to explore waste reduction and the reuse and recycling of goods.
Fairtrade encourages activists to collaborate with local groups and share knowledge about climate justice. Choosing Fairtrade products like bananas, tea, or coffee supports global farmers and workers to adapt to climate change and receive a fair living wage.
Our community groups have over 250 climate specific events happening this year, with nearly 40 specifically during Great Big Green Week. You can find the event list here Find an event – Great Big Green Week.
Sarah Hazlehurst, Campaigning Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Small actions can have a big impact. Sharing stories and swapping to Fairtrade products is a simple but meaningful way to support farmers and workers across the world and help them to tackle the impacts of the climate crisis.”
Fairtrade hopes that local MPs will participate in the events in their constituencies, as the choices they make support vulnerable farming communities worldwide by helping them build resilience against the impact of climate change.
Eco-friendly farming is an expense that farmers in low income cannot ordinarily afford, but the Fairtrade Premium gives certified farms extra funds for climate change adaptations.
Doris Calvo Ortiz, a Fairtrade banana farmer in Colombia, explains: “Thanks to the bio ferment, we have been able to remain stable as a business. The cooperative has been helping small producers, free of charge, so they can mitigate the effects of this drought.”
Richard Padilla, a Colombian Fairtrade banana farmer from the EMPREBANCOOP co-operative, also said: “I couldn’t run my farm or have a viable business without the Fairtrade Price and Premium. Production costs are so high now, and I’d struggle to be able to sell internationally. With climate change on top of everything else, I wouldn’t be able to meet requirements on my own.”
Farmers who are often skilled at climate adaptation, continue to receive unfair wages due to global trade practices. Fairtrade has supported millions of producers by providing more resources to fight climate change impact, and secure better deals that cover essential living costs for themselves and their families.
Jaime Alberto García Flórez, a Columbian Fairtrade coffee farmer from Red Ecolsierra co-operative, also noted: “Fairtrade really helps us through higher prices, something we didn’t have in the past. We wouldn’t be able to keep producing coffee without Fairtrade. I believe there are things we can all do to help maintain nature’s natural balance that will help protect our environment and our future.”
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For more information or high-res images, please contact celia.afande@fairtrade.org.uk / Tel: 020 7440 8567
About Fairtrade
Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in low-income countries.
Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organization representing 2 million small-scale farmers and workers in low- and mid-income countries. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark of Fairtrade that appears on more than 30,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations – including the Fairtrade Foundations – support producers, partner with businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future.