By Julia Roebuck, Upcycle Fashion.
 
On 24 April 2013 the Rana Plaza factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, collapsed. Killing 1,138 people and injuring 2,500 more, it is the country’s worst industrial disaster. Factory fires, unsafe buildings, low wages, child labour, pollution and little to no union representation had been a problem within the fashion and textiles industry for many years. Small independent fashion labels, charities, NGOs and activists around the world were campaigning for ethical and industrial changes where they could but never had a global platform to push the message. The movement was growing, but it would take the collapse of the Rana Plaza to change the face of the global campaign and begin a Fashion Revolution.
 
A growing number of designers, buyers, researchers, academics and others working within the fashion and textiles sector had been frustrated for years at the lack of significant progress and willing to make ethical improvements throughout the supply chain in the fashion sector.
A supply chain that had manufactured increased output and supported phenomenal growth for the fashion and textiles industry throughout the 90’s, mass producing garments to sell at ever cheaper prices. The shock, anger and sadness that followed the collapse of the Rana Plaza united two London designers and ethical fashion advocators, Orsola de Castro and Carry Somers to begin Fashion Revolution. This would become a movement initiated by industry professionals but driven by citizens, by anyone who buys clothes, to say enough is enough. 

​What has changed?
 
The first three years of the campaign has driven major changes in the global textile and fashion manufacturing framework. The Fashion Revolution Global Coordination Team work throughout the year to produce resources, research and reports to be shared throughout the campaign and demonstrate the successes and remaining challenges. One of the most important campaign documents is The Fashion Transparency Index “A review of 100 of the biggest global fashion brands and retailers ranked according to how much they disclose about their social and environmental policies, practices and impact. Brands achieved on average 49 out of 250, which is less than 20% of the total possible points. And none of the brands on the list scored above 50% — proving that there is still a long way to go towards transparency.
 
Fanzine – a creative, informative magazine with examples of calls to action to raise money to support the organisation of the movement.
 
Publishing Factory Lists - ASOS, Gap, Marks & Spencer, and several others published their factory lists.
 
Free education resources about ethical fashion and images and information to be used in the press and on social media can be found on the Fashion Revolution website.
 
What can you do?
 
The campaign is a platform to support anyone to take action, to engage directly with the retailers to find out who made your clothes. Even by asking the question you make a difference. In the third year of the campaign there are more ways than ever to be part of the Fashion Revolution. 

The vales behind Fashion Revolution are shared by Holme Valley Fairtrade and the following local businesses, championing ethical values and transparency in the fashion sector:
 
The Fair Trader - http://fairtrader.coop/
OTSO - https://www.otso.clothing/
Aura Que - http://www.auraque.com/
Upcycle Fashion - http://www.upcyclefashion.co.uk/
 
 
Please spare 5 minutes to photograph an item of clothing and the label and send to the brand asking Who Made My Clothes? The campaign has a massive social media following, so you can get involved on twitter, facebook and instagram on @Fash_Rev #WhoMadeMyClothes . If that’s not your thing, then an email, a letter or postcard to the retailer’s Head Office will make a difference too. Our collective voice cannot be ignored.
 
 
Make a fashion statement that matters.
 
www.fashionrevolution.org
 

It’s now over a month since Palestinians Bassema Barahmeh and Lamis Zamzam were refused entry by UK Visa and Immigration (#WhyNoVisa and #NoVisaNoTrade). Despite these campaigns and support from MPs including Jason McCartney, UK Visa and Immigration refused to reconsider the visa applications.
 
The ban on these goodwill ambassadors, (who were to be guests of the UK-based social enterprise, Zaytoun – zaytoun.org) comes exactly a year after these same farmers became the first olive oil producers in the world to be granted Fairtrade status. They were due to visit schools, Fairtrade supporters and community events during Fairtrade Fortnight, as part of a Co-operative College supported SUSY (solidarityeconomy.eu) speaker tour.
 
Bassema, from Anza village in the West Bank, produces about 300 litres of organic, Fairtrade olive oil each year, is a member of the Palestinian Fair Trade Association and village council member.
 
Lamis works in marketing at Canaan Fair Trade – one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of Fairtrade almonds and olive oil. Lamis is also a Board member of Shathaya Theatre – working with people affected by the trauma of living under occupation.
 
Cathi Pawson, Director of Zaytoun said “At a time when our government has a policy of supporting the development of the Palestinian economy, and Fairtrade olive oil is one of its few success stories to date, this refusal to grant visas is inexplicable, and displays a woeful lack of joined up thinking across departments.”
 
In October 2016, the British Consul General in Jerusalem, Dr Alastair McPhail, publicised UK support for 36 Palestinian olive-producing communities. This initiative provided £20,000 of harvesting equipment to over 300 Palestinian families.
 
Dr McPhail said “I’m proud to launch our initiative to support Palestinian olive growers in vulnerable areas of the West Bank, for the second year in a row. I hope that this exciting partnership with the PA Commission Against the Wall and Settlements will provide Palestinian farmers, in some of the most vulnerable areas, with the confidence and resilience to harvest their olives during these difficult times.”
 
This support is of limited use (or ‘value for money’ in UK government-speak) if the producers are prevented from expanding trade links to promote and sell the products of their labours.
 
The UK Government remains committed to promoting trade and business ties with Israel; labelling and identification of items produced in ‘Israeli settlements/Occupied Territories’ remains voluntary. UK Government departments need to work together more convincingly if they are to transform government rhetoric about support for the Palestinian economy into reality.
 
The Huddersfield Palestinian Support Network is holding an event on the afternoon of Saturday 24th June in Helme village. This event is supported by Holmfirth’s Fair Trader (fairtrader.coop). Starting in the village, a one-hour walk will be followed by a Strawberry Tea, and the chance to look at and buy Palestinian products, including Zaytoun foods, cookbooks and Taybeh beer.
 
Kathryn Sheard,
Volunteer and Board Member, Fair Trader
April 2017

Fairtrade Fortnight is a real opportunity to SHOUT about Fairtrade and this year I joined Fairtrade campaigners from across the UK to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight at an event in Parliament. Organised by the Fairtrade APPG and The Fairtrade Foundation the event was to celebrate the activities of the Fairtrade campaigner network up and down the country, and to show MPs the commitment for Fairtrade at the grass roots level.

For me, the event was a chance to demonstrate that it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do or where you live - we all have the power to change the world with Fairtrade. The room in Parliament was full of people from all walks of life, from all corners of the UK and all political parties; coming together to share a passion and a commitment to a common goal: Fairtrade.

We all have our part to play – whether you are offering your neighbour or work colleague a Fairtrade brew, or taking to the streets as a banana; whether you host an event or share a tweet; whether you write to your MP or speak to a Government Minister. EACH of these actions makes a huge difference, and they are all connected. One does not happen without the other; it is by working together as consumers, campaigners and policy makers, that we will create real change for the poorest people in our world.

This was echoed throughout the event in Parliament. I spoke to Government Ministers and MPs, I spoke to students from Leys School and campaigners from Wales. I spoke to Government Whips and members of the Lords. I spoke to business leaders and Fairtrade Foundation staff. I spoke to Leonard Kachebonaho, a coffee farmer representative from Tanzania. All had the same agenda: to put Fairtrade at the heart of decision making, particularly at the heart of trade negotiations following Brexit.

It was empowering to hear Rory Stewart, DFID Minister of State, speak so passionately about the fact that Fairtrade matters. That development isn’t all about economic growth, but it’s about equity and justice to producers. That Fairtrade is a powerful solution; enabling people to lift themselves out of poverty as it connect consumers with producers. That Fairtrade has symbolic value and is extremely important.

To hear Rory Stewart MP speak alongside Leonard Kachebonaho was incredibly moving. He lives Fairtrade and could share, with real passion, the difference it makes to him and his community. “Fairtrade,” he told the room, “allows people on the ground to improve by investing the premium in social projects.” Leonard shared how Fairtrade supports farmers pastorally, through a value added supply chain, through environmental projects, through sustainability, and through improving quality; ultimately growing producers OUT of the poverty cycle. The power of Fairtrade is not to be underestimated.

The Co-op are certainly aware of the power of Fairtrade, and Cathryn Higgs was at the event to share the brilliant news that ALL co-op own brand products containing cocoa will now contain Fairtrade cocoa. From the sprinkles on a doughnut, to Easter Eggs, and even in the batter of co-op own fishfingers (yes, really) – they are showing a better way of doing business and putting Fairtrade at the core of what they do. And students from Leys School in Cambridge gave a brilliant presentation reminding us all of the power of our individual actions when we shop.

I was particularly pleased to hear from Holly Lynch MP and Jason McCartney MP. With fairandfunky, I work closely with them both, and knowing they are the co-chairs of the Fairtrade APPG gives me hope. Politically opposed, they come together, determined to put Fairtrade at the front of trade negotiations. They both talked about the power of local campaigners and how it is by working together, and sharing the stories of Fairtrade producers that Fairtrade can come into its own.

For if there is Fairtrade other things will undoubtedly follow: education, democracy, health, sanitation, empowerment and respect.

I left the event with a real sense that change is possible. There seemed to be real commitment from everyone in the room to do their bit for Fairtrade producers; and to take their own little steps to change the world. And it is down to each and every one of us to keep the conversations of Fairtrade going beyond the 14 days of Fairtrade Fortnight; keeping Fairtrade on everyone’s agenda, and making a real difference.

On Friday evening, the vibrant colours and stunning flavours of Palestinian cooking came to the Yorkshire Pennine village of Brockholes!
 
Palestinian community leader TAYSIR ARBASI of Zaytoun (zaytoun.org), spoke movingly about how Fairtrade is helping hard working Palestinian olive and almond farmers to find markets for their high quality produce. He spoke of the complexities for farmers striving to nurture crops, with uncertain access to water and lands, within an environment under occupation. The breathtaking scenery masks the everyday harsh reality for farmers and their families. Their way of life, now under threat, is embedded in Palestinian heritage and culture. Even the October school holidays are timetabled to allow children to join family groups to hand pick the olives. Some residents may remember a time, not so long ago, when local school holidays were built around harvest time and potato picking!
 
In the West Bank, co-operatives of farmers work together, to maximise efficiencies and create high quality Fairtrade products – olive oil, almonds, freekeh, maftoul, dates and herb mix Za’atar.
 
Taysir’s powerful words echoed a people’s desire for dignity – for farmers and their families to gain a livelihood through trade not aid. Fairtrade builds a connection between farmers and consumers, and offers some hope to a beleaguered people.
 
In Pennine Yorkshire, many people enjoy a good quality of life and for them choices abound. One such choice could surely be to support ZAYTOUN by telling their stories and buying the wonderful, high quality artisanal products. Fair Trader stocks ZAYTOUN Fairtrade Olive Oil (the first Fairtrade olive oil in the world), ZAYTOUN Maftoul (a giant bulgur grain with a nutty flavour), ZAYTOUN FREEKEH (roasted green Spring wheat – for savoury and sweet dishes), ZAYTOUN MEDJOUL DATES, ALMONDS and ZA’ATAR (aromatic blend of herbs).
 
His words provided inspiration, for us to promote Zaytoun products, and make a contribution to the farmers’ long-term financial and trading security.
  
Over fifty ticket holders listened to Taysir, and talked with him about the many challenges facing Palestinian farmers and producers.
 
They then sampled the Palestinian-style Fairtrade fare, while listening to Palestinian songs by Reem Kelani.
The menu included(CAPITAL items available from Fair Trader)

• Warm chunky chickpeas with CUMIN, fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds, and flatbreads
• FREEKEH, red peppers and aubergines with ZA’ATAR and tomatoes
• Roasted sweet potatoes with a fresh ginger and CINNAMON dressing
• CUMIN, lentils and RICE with caramelised onions
• MAFTOUL with apricots and pistachios
• Fennel and apple salad with maple syrup and OLIVE OIL dressing

 

• FREEKEH, DATE and pistachio cake
• Brownies drizzled with tahini

 
Drinks included : Palestinian TAYBEH BEER  (brewed by a lady brewer), juices, wines and also a wonderful Palestinian drink of fresh mint/ freshly squeezed orange juice/lemon juice/sugar and pomegranate molasses.
 
SO… if each and every one of us ‘buys Zaytoun’, together we can make a difference.
Fair Trader ZAYTOUN PALESTINIAN HAMPERS – the prefect present.
Fair Trader ZAYTOUN olive oil, almonds, dates, maftoul, freekeh, za’atar.

We’re about to embark on Fairtrade Fortnight and as members of Holme Valley Fairtrade we’ve been invited to share what we do and why we do it.

At fairandfunky we empower people to take their own little steps to change the world. We run creative and interactive workshops on global themes of Fairtrade, recycling and the environment. We run events, we sell online, we blog and we take action – anything that encompasses those themes!

Fairtrade Fortnight is a campaign initiative from The Fairtrade Foundation – a chance for all Fairtrade campaigners to raise awareness and SHOUT about Fairtrade, wherever they are. And fairandfunky are no different – we are getting ready to SHOUT.

Fairtrade is one of the ways each and every one of us can take our own little step to change the world. Fairtrade connects us with the people behind the product – when you buy Fairtrade you are choosing to buy into a system which works with and alongside the poorest people in our world to trade out of poverty. Fairtrade enables farmers and workers to earn a fair price for the work they do, it gives them a voice in decision making, and empowers women. Fairtrade creates real opportunity and makes real change for farmers and their communities. 

Don’t just take our word for it. We have been lucky enough to meet, and speak to, a number of Fairtrade producers and have heard powerful words of how Fairtrade has made a difference. “Fairtrade has literally changed our way of thinking. It’s taught us to look after what is ours – for example our natural environment. It’s taught us to look after the health and safety of the workers on the farm. It’s given us the ability to save, so we’re able to educate our children. Even more importantly, it’s given us an opportunity to educate others in the community. In the co-operative we all get together and collectively make decisions about the best way to use the Fairtrade Premium.” Foncho Cantillo, Colombian Banana Farmer.

“Fairtrade has changed our lives so so much. We can pay for schools fees to send children to school. We have bought oxen and ox carts which has made everything so much easier!” Kenneth and Howard, Malawian Rice Farmer.

“Fairtrade makes my tea business sustainable and secures the environment. The premiums do social projects and are dear to us!” Patrick Kaberia, Kenyan Tea Farmer.

These conversations are really humbling. The things that have changed their lives, we take for granted – a roof on their houses, better transport, schools for their children, food on their tables. It inspires us to keep going and to continue to stand up for farmers and give them a voice; and to share the message of Fairtrade as far and wide as we can.

This Fairtrade Fortnight we plan to do just that –we’re organising 3 schools conferences which, in total, will inspire 275 students and 60 teachers to take Fairtrade back to their schools and communities. We’re leading 3 assemblies in local schools to share the message of Divine Chocolate and how they work to change the world. We’re running two Fairtrade focussed SCRAPtastic workshops in Huddersfield, alongside the fairandfunky pop-up shop. We’re speaking at an event in Halifax Minster to share ideas on local campaigning. And we’re also going to Parliament to engage MPs in conversation about Brexit and Fairtrade. Not forgetting BANANA BREAKOUT on Saturday 4th March with our Holme Valley Fairtrade friends.

It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it. And when Fairtrade currently only touches 1% of trade globally; and when half of the world’s hungry are farmers; this work is just the beginning.

So we invite you, to join us, wherever you are and however you can. Take a read of our Fairtrade Fortnight guest blogs over a cup of Fairtrade tea, share fairandfunky news on social media*, tell a school about the work we do or come along to one of our events. Whatever step you take, makes a HUGE difference to farmers and producers, and it is my taking all these little steps together that we will change the world.

*Find us on facebook, twitter and Instagram!

Following the Brexit vote the UK will renegotiate trade agreements with countries around the world. This could bring opportunities for fair trade but we also need to acknowledge the potential risks to Fairtrade producers as these deals are brokered.

There is an opportunity for the UK to trade in new ways following Brexit that will benefit producers directly.  With the right determination and focus,  innovative solutions could be reached that create opportunity for producer countries to trade not only with the UK but also with their neighbours – enabling them to create new products with added value; creating increased productivity, profit and development.

For example, coffee beans from Kenya currently experience zero tariffs on imports to the UK. However, roasted coffee beans from Kenya incur a 7% tariff on imports to the UK. This inhibits growth in jobs and development for the poorest people in our world. Imagine the possibilities if these were removed!

It’s really important that the best market schemes available are used to create new trade agreements that do not undermine poorer countries through an unfair marketplace. Otherwise there is real danger that the huge waves of progress made by campaigners over the last 25 years could just go crashing back down on the very producers we have campaigned tirelessly to empower.

Holme Valley Fairtrade would like to know what actions are the Government taking to ensure the UK will set the gold standard for development focused trade policy – one that will not adversely affect poorer countries through open markets. And we have written to our MP in great detail.

Please could you write your MP too? Even if yours is the same as ours! You can do that via the Fairtrade Foundation here

The UK is signed up to the SDGs, and trade creates opportunity to meet these international commitments on the environment, climate change, women’s empowerment and human rights. There is a real need for the International Development Secretary to ensure any future trade negotiations support sustainable development.  Could you ask your MP to contact Liam Fox MP, the International Trade Secretary, and ask if he will champion this?

We realise that there are a lot of different priorities for the UK to Government to consider over the next few years, but as Chair of Holme Valley Fairtrade I want to ensure that producers in developing countries are a priority, and hope that together we can make that happen. This is a time for Fairtrade Campaigners to rediscover their trade justice voice and start shouting.
​
Useful links:
Fairtrade Foundation
Traidcraft

My first meeting as Chair was in November 2014! And in January 2015 we agreed our new mission statement:

“Holme Valley Fairtrade is a group of individuals and organisations from around the Holme Valley working together to promote Fairtrade and encourage people to “shop local, think global”.’
 
Has this been fulfilled? Are we achieving success? Well……. Since January 2015 we have….

• Launched a website with 39 businesses, schools, churches and other organisations listed

 

• Run stalls at two Fairtrade Fairs, Holmfirth Folk Festival, and Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival

 

• Hosted a Fairtrade film night during Holmfirth Film Festival

 

• Curated a hugely successful ‘Cotton on to Fairtrade’ bag exhibition

 

• Met with local MP Jason McCartney on numerous occasions

 

• Taken part in the fairandfunky 90kg rice challenge

 

• Worked closely with Honley High School to set up and meet regularly with a new Fairtrade Forum

 

• Created a beautiful patchwork banner to show what Fairtrade means to our community

 

• Celebrated our 10th birthday party at Honley High School

 

• Been to Parliament to launch the APPG for Fairtrade

 

• Put consumer pressure on Sainsbury’s to stock Fairtrade sugar – they do!

 

• Challenged various Co-op stores to sell more Fairtrade – still need biscuits!

 

• Have been ‘Runners up’ in the Fairtrade Foundation Fairtrade Fortnight Campaign Awards in 2015 and…

 

• Winners in 2016!

 

• Lead assemblies at local schools

 

• Established an online group for Fairtrade Supporters nationally!

 

• Organised ‘Wake up to Fairtrade’ event in Holmfirth Market

 

• Joined in various networking events with businesses around the Holme Valley

 

• Built a twitter community of 861 people from all corners of the globe

 

• Gathered 125 facebook followers

 

• Spoken at the APPG for Fairtrade AGM in Parliament and advised MPs on how to get involved with campaigners in their constituencies.

 
A success? I think so!
 
But two of these need a little more explanation, two things that as Holme Valley Fairtrade we are thrilled to have been involved in………
 
Honley High School Fairtrade Forum:

We first met at our website launch during Fairtrade Fortnight 2015, following a campaign to find a missing banana! (really!) Since then, working closely with fellow Holme Valley Fairtrade members’ fairandfunky, the school established a Fairtrade Forum with representatives from each year group. The students take it in turns to join our monthly meetings and inspire us with their energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. In school, these brilliant students meet weekly to bring Fairtrade into school whenever and wherever they can. From organising Fairtrade breaks, to supporting external events, to running stalls, skyping Fairtrade farmers and taking on the 90kg rice challenge, the students have shown real determination and commitment for Fairtrade. Not least when they joined Holme Valley Fairtrade on a trip to Parliament during Fairtrade Fortnight 2016……..  ​

 None of this would have been achieved with each member of Holme Valley Fairtrade……whether or not you come to a meeting every month. EVERY little bit you do for Holme Valley Fairtrade makes a HUGE difference to raising awareness of Fairtrade, increasing sales and CHANGING LIVES in farming communities around the world.
 
You might do this by coming to a meeting or when you buy a Fairtrade product in your weekly shop. You do this when you share a facebook post or get involved with a campaigning event. You do this when you bake a cake or share a Fairtrade brew with a colleague.
 
EVERY LITTLE THING MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Thank you to each and every one of you.
Reading this blog and want to get involved in 2017? Contact our Chair: Helen via holmevalleyfairtrade@gmail.com

What connects the men of the Scottish Hebridean Islands and the women of the coastal region of Southern India? One answer you might not expect is beautiful Harris Tweed bags. 

On 20th October, customers of Fair Trader, the Holmfirth based community co-operative, learned more about the connection - in a fascinating talk by Peter Turner of the Peter James Company. 

Based in Huddersfield, Peter James garments and accessories feature stunning Harris tweed fabrics, woven on the windswept Outer Hebridean islands. Wools including Scottish Cheviot are dyed, spun, woven and finished on the islands of Harris and Lewis. 

Working in their croft homes, men hand weave the tweed fabric, following a timeless Scottish tradition, to create one of the world's most distinctive fabrics. The patterns and colours reflect the waters of the surrounding seas, the island landscape and the changing hues of the seasons. 

Shona Easton designs the bags, combining the tweed and top quality leather into stylish and practical bags.  

These designs are then skilfully crafted in a village a few hours from the coastal city of Chennai, Southern India. 

Based in converted farmhouses, over 200 highly skilled women transform the fabric into bags. The stitchers work in good conditions and often use the stable income to fund school places for their children. 

Tamil Nadu has been at the centre of much textile production, but often the mainly female workforce has been unfairly treated and badly paid. ​

Pramilla is the workshop manager and Masthanma is in charge of the finances. This photo shows some of the women with Shona Easton. 

The two communities are a world apart. However, they share a way of life where highly skilled, fairly paid artisans continue the textile techniques and traditions of their forebears.

See the bags at Fair Trader, 32-34 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 2JS


Fairtrader.coop
Peterjamescompany.co.uk
Eastondesignstudio.com

fairandfunky are proud Co-operative Trust Partners at Honley High School and work closely with staff and students to develop a programme of Global Citizenship learning for the school community.
​
As Trust partners we join Honley High School Fairtrade Forum for their fortnightly meetings and are constantly inspired by their enthusiasm and commitment for bringing Fairtrade into the everyday life of school.
 
Last month we hosted a Q&A session with the students and Jason McCartney MP. We had last met in Parliament during Fairtrade Fortnight to launch the new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fairtrade, and we were all interested to hear how the group was progressing and why it was important.
 
We discovered that the Fairtrade APPG was formed by MPs with a shared passion for Fairtrade and concern for producers and workers. The Fairtrade APPG aims to promote Fairtrade within the Houses of Parliament in terms of procurement and to raise awareness with policy makers to make real change. Working with Ministers the group intends to put Fairtrade at the heart of trade deals.
 
Jason McCartney MP then turned the questions on the students, and we discovered that they too have a shared passion for Fairtrade, and concern for producers and workers.
 
These are just a few of their comments from our session:
 
“Large companies and people in charge seem to take advantage of farmers and it’s not fair. Fairtrade is important to give people the same chances in life.” Nyall
 
“We need positive messages from Fairtrade workers to inspire others to make a difference with Fairtrade. Some people lack motivation but if we appeal to their better nature things will improve.” Hope
 
“All people deserve an equal right and deserve a Fairtrade chance in life.” Ben
 
“Fairtrade should be part of our education, we should be taught about how Fairtrade makes a difference.” Gabby
 
 
We were struck by the determination from the students that Fairtrade should become ‘the norm’. We all agreed that change needs to be consumer driven and recognised that individuals, campaigners and Government all have their role to play to nudge people into making better decisions; ultimately succeeding in the goal of putting Fairtrade at the heart of Government and making it ‘the norm’.