Monmouthshire’s communities combine to back Fairtrade Fortnight 20th February 2019

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Schools and community groups across Monmouthshire are joining with the council to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight between Monday, 25th February and Sunday, 10th March.

Events across the county will aim to encourage shoppers to buy more Fairtrade goods because farmers in developing countries deserve a fair deal – one that leads to them earning a living income.  Local schools are holding special assemblies, bake sales and classwork with a Fairtrade theme and the public are invited to coffee mornings, sales and tasting sessions, all aimed at making people aware of the difference Fairtrade can make.

Fairtrade has done much to improve the lives of many, but it’s not enough or fast enough.  Many farmers – both men and women – are underpaid and exploited.  That means they can’t earn enough for the basics many of us take for granted, including food, education and housing.

A living income is a fundamental goal for Fairtrade, and nowhere is the need more clear than in the cocoa industry; hence cocoa is the theme for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight.  Europe is the world’s biggest importer of cocoa, yet a shocking 60% of all cocoa farmers live below the poverty line.

That’s why, starting this Fairtrade Fortnight, Monmouthshire’s communities can help.

Fairtrade is the only organisation to guarantee a safety net of a minimum price for farmers in times of global price decline plus a premium, an extra amount of money that goes directly to farmers to invest in business or projects of their choice in their own communities.  Residents and visitors are invited to the county’s Fairtrade events organised over the fortnight and look for the Fairtrade Mark to enjoy a taste of chocolate indulgence and support a move towards a living income.

Councillor Sara Jones, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for Social Justice & Community Development said: “Farmers get a better deal when they sell their crops on Fairtrade terms.  This leads to a higher and more stable income and can help them break the cycle of poverty in which they’re trapped.  Through Fairtrade, farmers can invest in better farming and earn more money, ensuring their children are fed and can go to school.  Communities can invest in clean water and clinics, improving everyone’s health.”

Many events will be held in Monmouthshire over Fairtrade Fortnight;

Chepstow Town Centre

Fairtrade window displays in the town arch, Toytastik and Oxfam.

Monmouth Community Hub

Fairtrade display

Tuesday 19th February – Pembroke Primary School, Chepstow

Fairtrade assemblies and Fairtrade-themed persuasive writing

Friday 22nd February – Mayor’s Parlour, Shire Hall, Monmouth

Launch of Fairtrade coaster design competition for the Mayor’s Parlour, for local primary schools

Saturday 23rd February (10am to 12noon) – The Priory, Monmouth

Chocolate-themed coffee morning

Wednesday 27th February – Chepstow Community Hub

Fairtrade Stall

Saturday 2nd March – Abergavenny Oxfam, Frogmore Street

Fairtrade Food tasting

Saturday 2nd March (9.30am to 12.30pm) – Memorial Hall, Usk

Fairtrade stall at Usk Farmers Market

Tuesday 5th March at 9.15am – Raglan Primary School

Fairtrade assembly and Year Three chocolate-themed lesson

Tuesday 5th March at 10am – Little Tots, Trinity Hall, Baker Street, Abergavenny

Fairtrade themed fun

Tuesday 5th March from 12noon – Methodist Hall, Castle Street, Abergavenny

Fairtrade Pancake lunch and Fairtrade stall

Wednesday 6th March (10.30 to 12noon) – Llangybi Village Hall

Fairtrade stall

Thursday 7th March at 9.30am – Cross Ash Primary School

Fairtrade assembly

Thursday 7th March from 10.30am – Christ Church, North Street, Abergavenny

Fairtrade coffee morning

Thursday 7th March (12 – 2pm) – County Hall, Usk

Fairtrade sale

Saturday 9th March from 10am – Methodist Hall, Castle Street, Abergavenny

Fairtrade event with speakers, music, stalls and refreshments

Sunday 10th March – Chepstow Market

Fairtrade Stall

 

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Abergavenny Now founder and History graduate from Bath Spa University. I was born in Abergavenny and have lived in the town for most of my life.

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