Fairtrade Fortnight: Check Out

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The theme of Check Out Fairtrade for Fairtrade Fortnight (March 1st - 13th) will highlight the benefits to producers in developing countries. The guarantees underpinning the FAIRTRADE Mark include:

- a fair and stable price for their products

- extra income to improve their lives (a social
premium)

- greater respect for the environment

- a stronger position in world markets

- a closer link between consumers and producers

The Local Agenda 21 Forum and other members of the Hammersmith & Fulham Fairtrade borough campaign group will be holding a tasting stand at Sainsbury's, Fulham Broadway Retail Centre on Saturday March 5th, 11.00am -7.00pm. Free samples of Fairtrade coffee, tea,
chocolate and orange juice will be distributed as well as information on both the FAIRTRADE Mark and the Fairtrade borough initiative.

Mary Corrall, event co-ordinator, says "We have been running Fairtrade Fortnight for seven years now and it is very encouraging to see the growing awareness of what Fairtrade means. Many supermarkets are sourcing some of their own label products from farms and
plantations that meet the criteria of the FAIRTRADE Mark. Look out for Sainsbury's brands in their larger stores, for instance."

Having tasted the Divine chocolate marketed by the Day Chocolate Company, there is a chance to meet two of the farmers from the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative in Ghana which supplies the cocoa beans for its production! Their slogan is "Pa pa paa", the"best of the best".
Anna Awere and Veronica Mintah are visiting various London boroughs striving to achieve Fairtrade status. They will be speaking to and answering questions from
a largely invited audience at 222 Veggie Vegan, 222 North End Road, just north of Lillie Road, on
Thursday March 10th between 11.30 and 12.30, about the benefits to them and their community of Fairtrade.

Ben Asamani, the restaurant manager, himself a Ghanaian brought up in Tema, near Accra, is very much looking forward to hosting the event. (He also hopes that people will stay on for the £5 buffet lunch served until 3.30pm! To book a table, call 020 7381 2322 or fax 020 7610 0222.) Ben is changing over from serving a merely ethically sourced coffee to a brand which carries the FAIRTRADE Mark, the independent consumer label that guarantees a better deal for third
world producers. When he adds a second Fairtrade product to the menu, his business will be listed in the borough's directory of shops and cafes selling Fairtrade goods.

This occasion, arranged by H&F Friends of the Earth and the Local Agenda 21 Forum, will enhance the prospects of Hammersmith & Fulham becoming a Fairtrade borough, the meaning of which is fully explained in a colourful leaflet produced by the council to be launched at the beginning of March. The Fairtrade Foundation expects five goals to be met before
approving an application. These include the council passing a resolution to support Fairtrade and agreeing to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at is meetings and in its offices and canteens. This is on the agenda for the Budget Council meeting on February 23rd and a celebration to launch the introduction of Fairtrade refreshments in the canteen is being planned.

March 6, 2005