Fairtrade supporters are encouraging individuals, schools, groups, churches and clubs (especially chocolate lovers!) to consider the people behind their products, particularly this Fairtrade Fortnight, February 25 - March 10.

Fairtrade Fortnight is the highlight of the year for the Fairtrade movement. 2019 not only marks the momentous occasion of 25 years of Fairtrade, but the beginning of an ambitious three-year campaign called She Deserves. The campaign aims to introduce a living income for all, highlighting the things we might take for granted (including treats like chocolate!) in a world where many farmers and workers can’t afford life’s essentials.

This year, Fairtrade is encouraging shoppers to buy more Fairtrade because farmers and workers deserve a fair deal - one that leads to them earning a living income. Fairtrade has done much to improve the lives of many, but it’s not enough, fast enough.

Many farmers and workers - 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, healthcare and housing.

A living income is a fundamental goal for Fairtrade, and nowhere is the need for a living income more clear than in the cocoa industry. Europe is the world’s biggest importer of cocoa yet 70 per cent of that cocoa is produced in West Africa, and 43 per cent of worldwide output comes from the Côte d’Ivoire, where one in six of the population is employed in the cocoa sector. Yet a shocking 60 per cent of all cocoa farmers live below the poverty line.

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

“We have power in our hands to improve lives. By choosing Fairtrade certified products we give people a chance of a better life. It’s not charity it’s about basic human rights for the people who grow and make the things we buy. Together we can make a difference,” says Sharron Hardwick - founder of the Fair Trade In Football And Rugby Campaign.

Fairtrade is the only certifier to provide 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 direct to workers to invest in business or community projects of their choice in their own communities.

Chocolate is about enjoyment, indulgence, gifts and celebration.

Looking for the Fairtrade mark when you shop means you can enjoy a taste of chocolate indulgence and support a move towards a living income.

That goes for sport balls too.

Jamie Barrellie, coach for South Pembs Sharks Girls Hub and WRU GMG Girls Officer, is a firm supporter of Bala Sport Fairtrade stitched rugby balls. The South Pembs Sharks girls rugby players have been using Fairtrade rugby balls since last year:

“The Fairtrade Bala Sport team rugby balls are quality balls that withstand all weathers, training and game situations. Knowing the background of the balls and where they have been made makes us at the Sharks proud to be part of this project.”

Stand up for workers this Fairtrade Fortnight and look for Fairtrade products to show you believe that ‘She Deserves’.

To get involved visit www.fairtrade.org.uk

For Fairtrade Sports Balls: www.balaposrt.co.uk

For information on Fair Trade In Football And Rugby Campaign: www.fairtradeinfootball.com find the campaign on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/fairtradeinfootball/