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Fairtrade in Parliament - Helen Robinson, Chair of Holme Valley Fairtrade

15/3/2017

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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.
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Guest Blog from Fair Trader: FLAVOURS OF PALESTINE

13/3/2017

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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.

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    Holme Valley Fairtrade

    Holme Valley Fairtrade is a group of individuals from around the Holme Valley working together to promote Fairtrade and encourage people to shop local, think global.

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