This year, Fairtrade Fortnight is from Monday 22 September to Sunday 5 October. The theme is 'Do it Fair, Brew it Fair' with an emphasis on the tea industry and the people behind our cuppa who deserve to live with dignity. The campaign encourages us as consumers to demand fairness from crop to cup. Choosing Fairtrade products like tea – as well as other everyday essentials produced overseas including bananas, coffee and chocolate – ensures farmers receive the Fairtrade Minimum Price as a vital safety net, and are empowered to invest their Fairtrade Premium in their farms, families and futures.
 
The Fairtrade Foundation is asking people to sign their petition calling on the government to take stronger action in the tea industry and will be asking local MPs to join the calls for new legislation to require businesses to protect human rights and the environment in their supply chains. With the UK government having just launched a review of its policy on responsible business conduct, Fairtrade Fortnight this year is an opportunity to push for meaningful policy change that will improve the lives of people who produce Britain's tea, coffee, cocoa and more. You can see more about this and sign the petition by clicking on this link:
Fairtrade Petition
 

There will be a Fairtrade stall in the Old Parish Centre on Sunday 5 October after the morning service and before the afternoon service, where the usual goods including Fairtrade tea will be available. If you are not able to come to the stall, but would like to purchase Fairtrade goods, contact Sally Mottram on 01334 657445 or fairtradecupar@gmail.com.