Fairtrade fortnight supports farmers and workers in developing world

FAIRTRADE fortnight kicked off this week in Clondalkin and featured a Fairtrade bake off in Áras Chrónáin on Wednesday, reports Maurice Garvey.

The fortnight event is on from March 4-17, and supports farmers and workers in the developing world.

Clonburris National School teacher Paula Galvin spearheaded the campaign to have Fairtrade Town status conferred on Clondalkin in 2014, and was one of five teachers globally who spoke in December at the COP28 Teachers COP (Conference of the Parties) in Dubai.

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) said: ‘’I would encourage people to buy at least one Fairtrade item during Fairtrade Fortnight and to learn more about Fairtrade. It was started in Clondalkin by Paula Gavin and students of Clonburris.

“Myself and Paula hope the events will encourage and promote Fairtrade.

“For two weeks, hundreds of individuals, companies and groups across the world including Ireland come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food, people who are often exploited and underpaid.

“When the market price is higher than the Fairtrade minimum price, producers should receive the current market price or the price negotiated at contract signing.

“The Fairtrade mark is the symbol of the international Fairtrade system and the most globally recognized ethical label.

“When you buy products with any of the Fairtrade marks, you support farmers and workers as they improve their lives and their communities.”

Fairtrade Fortnight also features an art competition and participants are asked to leave their entries into Clondalkin Library before March 12.

Winners entries will be displayed in Bru Chronan visitor centre.