“The people of Devon have made a massive difference to the lives of millions of farmers and producers across the world,” says our lead member for Fairtrade, today, the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, as the county marks it fourteenth year as a Fairtrade county.
Devon has successfully renewed it Fairtrade status for each of the last 14 years, by promoting and encouraging people where they can to choose Fairtrade goods to support food producers across the world.
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working wages and conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.
By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices to farmers and food producers, which must never fall lower than the market prices, Fairtrade enables the poorest and weakest producers to improve their position, and have more control over their lives.
This year, Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday 12 March, is highlighting the urgent threat to the future of the foods we love and the livelihoods of the people who grow them, as they face the worst effects of the climate crisis.
According to the Fairtrade Foundation, food such as coffee, bananas and chocolate could become more difficult to buy due to climate change.
The current financial crisis is also taking a heavy toll on many people who are struggling to make ends meet, particularly so for smallholder farmers and workers, with the costs of fuel, fertiliser and food all increasing beyond what is affordable.
Our lead Member for Fairtrade, Councillor Andrew Saywell says :
“In the 14 years Devon has been a Fairtrade County, the people of Devon have made a massive difference to the lives of millions of farmers and producers across the world.
“Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers the world over.
“Many of these goals reflect that of Devon’s Climate Emergency and as we go forward, even in the current cost of living crisis, remaining mindful of Fairtrade principles, and where possible making small acts and changes to our behaviour, can help make a difference.
“I hope our continued support for Fairtrade will lead us to a truly sustainable future, both in Devon and across the world.
Events are being held across Devon to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, and the public are invited to attend.
Event Venue Tickets and contact details
Fairtrade lunch Tuesday 28 February, at 12.30/1pm URC Church, 1 Russell St, Tavistock PL19 8BD Open to all
Cream tea event with Rwandan visitors Tuesday 28 February 4.30pm – 5.30pm Salvation Army Hall, Sheppard’s Row, Exmouth Open to all. Come and join us
Afternoon Cream Tea to meet Rwandan Coffee Farmers Wednesday 1st March 3pm -4.30pm Riverside Community Centre Bovey Tracey (next to the main Car Park) Free Entry, but a ticket will be required.Tickets from: s.oldrieve@btinternet.com01626 830052
Trowbridge Fairtrade Town Group event Publicity event with banner displayed, film, literature, display boards, refreshments.Friday 3 March 10am – 1pm The Foyer at the Civic Centre, Trowbridge Open to all – no cost
Highlighting 3 “endangered products”: coffee, cocoa and bananas. Displays by two local schools and Fairtrade refreshments, Saturday 4 March 10am – 12pm Pill Precinct, Easton in Gordano Open to all
Coffee morning with the Deputy Lord Mayor Saturday 4 March 10am – 2pm Exeter Guildhall All welcome
Coffee Morning and Fairtrade display Saturday 4 March 10.30am-12.30pm Sidmouth Library All welcome
Fairtrade Coffee Morning Saturday 4 March 10am – 12pm Glenorchy Church Hall, Exeter Road, Exmouth EX8 1PL All welcome
‘Fairtrade on the Minister Green’ Saturday 4 March 10am – 2pm The Minister Green, Wimborne All welcome – free chocolate, a smoothie bike and a stall from the town’s Fairtrade shop.
Social Evening with our Rwandan guests from Twongerekawa Coko Women’s Fairtrade Coffee Co-operative Bring & Share meal and Rwandan coffee tasting. Saturday 4 March 6pm – 9pm Kennford, EX6 7TZ Book via Eventbrite to receive details of the venue or email dde@globalcentredevon.org.uk
Fairtrade Church Service Sunday 5 March 10:30am Fairplace Methodist Church Okehampton All welcome
Fairtrade Community Feast (Bring and Share) with Rwandan visitors Sunday 5 March 12pm – 3pm The Ockment Centre Hall, Okehampton Free event – all welcome
Fairtrade Coffee morning Monday 6 March 10am – 12pm Tavistock Library, The Quay, Plymouth Rd, Tavistock PL19 8AB All welcome
Co-operative Party Fairtrade event Monday 6 March 8pm By Zoom Contact dde@globalcentredevon.org.uk for Zoom link
Afternoon tea with Rwandan visitors Tuesday 7 March 3pm The Strand Centre, Dawlish All welcome
A Celebration of Fairtrade in Ivybridge with our guests from Twongerekawa Coko coffee cooperative in Rwanda and Owen’s Coffee Roastery in Ivybridge Wednesday 8 March 6pm -7:30pm Ivybridge Town Hall Free event – all welcome. To book, email info@owenscoffee.com
Reception with councillors, shop owners and Fairtrade group members. Friday 10 March 3pm The Guildhall, Totnes. All welcome
Dawlish Fairtrade Friends Concert Friday 10 March 7:30pm (doors from 7pm) The Strand Centre, Dawlish Tickets £7 from The Strand Centre (ticket prices includes Fairtrade refreshments – tea/coffee/wine/snacks)
Coffee morning with the Mayor Saturday 11 March 10.30am -12.30pm Town Council Chambers, Falmouth All welcome – no charge
Fairtrade Coffee morning, publicity and fundraising event Saturday 11 March Chair’s house, Trowbridge Open to all.Contact Lyndsey Wright via lyndsey_wright1@btinternet.com for details.
International Women’s Day event Saturday 11 March 11am – 4pm The Phoenix, Exeter All welcome
Church service followed by Fairtrade refreshments Sunday 12 March 10am St James Church, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter EX4 7AH All welcome
Police urge drivers to take care with yellow warning for ice issued
Devon losing out on at least £25m of public health funding
School Closures
