Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off from February 22 this year, and although events are off the table while we remain in lockdown, the East Devon for a Fairer World group are still hoping to get the message across.

Why is it important to us here in Sidmouth?

This year when there seems so little we can do in the face of huge global problems we can choose to buy products with the Fairtrade mark at the Co-op and Waitrose in Sidmouth, and online here.

Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and plantation workers.

Fairtrade is the only certification that combines a fair minimum price for products and an extra amount of money – called the Fairtrade Premium – for farmers to spend on what their communities or businesses need.

That could be clean water, classrooms or clinics – they decide.

This year Fairtrade Fortnight aims to highlight the growing challenges that climate change is bringing to the farmers growing crops including coffee, cocoa and bananas.

They have done the least to cause the climate crisis, yet they are seeing some of the worst effects, from droughts and crop disease to floods and heatwaves.

East Devon for a Fairer World group (email: [email protected]) are not able to put on any events this year but you can find out more here, or click here for information about Fairtrade activities (virtual coffee mornings etc.) and Devon Fairtrade Towns.