Fairtrade’s network consists of more than 1.8 million farmers, many in low-income countries who are on the front line of climate crisis, said Gidney.
“They are feeling the effects of the climate every day and it's in all of our interests if we want to continue to enjoy these products in the future that they are enabled to fight the climate crisis,” he said.
In our special podcast interview to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, Gibney said Fairtrade is all about getting a better deal for farmers and workers. It was established over 25 years ago as a coalition of aid agencies, faith groups and charities and is now also working now with “enlightened companies”.
He said Fairtrade is making real progress in spreading its message, particularly with younger consumers and there is a more general awareness of sustainability issues with the sharing of information on the internet and social media.
Just by looking for the Fairtrade mark when you buy a Fairtrade chocolate bar or Fairtrade Cup of coffee, you know that more money goes to those farmers who grow -- Michael Gidney, CEO, Fairtrade Foundation.
Fairtrade’s ‘Choose The World You Want’ festival is in its second year and runs alongside Fairtrade Fortnight and highlights many of the issues that surround climate change and the impact it has on farmers all over the world.
Once again, because of the ongoing pandemic restrictions, it takes the form of a virtual festival with more than 40 events that consumers can sign up for or watch pre-records by going to the fairtrade.org.uk website.
Gidney describes Fairtrade as a “small act of optimism and positivity that people can get in involved in every day”. It also the only certification scheme that is co-owned by farmers.
“Just by looking for the Fairtrade mark when you buy a Fairtrade chocolate bar or Fairtrade Cup of coffee, you know that more money goes to those farmers who grow.
“And that means that they can tackle the climate crisis, invest in their farms, helped to build better and more resilient communities.”
- Listen to the full interview with Michale Gidney in our latest podcast episode.
