Fairtrade Fortnight 2023 is upon us and is spotlighting the harmful effect of climate change on the future of our food - supported by Co-op.

Thousands of people across Britain are gearing up to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2023, supported by the Co-op and their passionate Member Pioneers across our area.

This year's campaign highlights the message that whatever your budget and wherever you shop, when you choose Fairtrade, you support farmers to take care of the environment through Fairtrade's Price, Premium and Programmes.

This year the campaign - which runs until Sunday, March 12 - will focus on the climate crisis and the increasing threat it poses to some of the planet's most beloved food products as well as the livelihoods of the farmers and agricultural workers who grow them.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2023, supported by the Co-op. PICTURE: A selection of the Fairtrade produce and products at the Co-op that was on display when Gerry and Jo met local councillors CREDIT: Jo Hooper

Fairtrade Fortnight in the North Herts area

Local Co-op Member Pioneers, Geraldine Strohm and Jo Hooper, have been talking about the importance of Fairtrade with a large number of local councillors.

The pair of hard-working and passionate Co-op MPs recently attended a meeting with 14 local councillors at the Stevenage Borough Council Offices.

Gerry eloquently spoke about the history of the Co op and of the members that are customers, employees, residents or suppliers who all have a say in how the Co op is run. Gerry also highlighted the link Co op has to FairTrade and spoke about the advantages of buying Fairtrade and the way it ensures protection of pay for farmers and workers across the world.

Jo added: "Every Co op across the world shares the same co-operative principles and values.

"Choosing to buy Fairtrade whenever you can (look for the Fairtrade symbol) by buying Fairtrade you are investing in the farmers and their amazing work to secure a sustainable future for food.

"Buying Fairtrade is not as expensive as you may think, when your next in the Co op check out the Fairtrade logo you will be pleasantly surprised, the cost is reasonable and by purchasing the Fairtrade products you are helping the cause."

Fairtrade Fortnight also shows how the future survival of the world's most popular foods – such as bananas, cocoa, and coffee – hangs in the balance unless we achieve inclusive and equitable climate solutions, with farmers and agricultural workers playing a central role in the climate response.

Jo, Gerry and the Co-op say: "Choose to fight Climate Change.

"Choose the future of our food

"Choose Fairtrade."

Host a Fairtrade Fortnight event

Hosting a Fairtrade Fortnight event is a great way to spread the word about Fairtrade and try some delicious Fairtrade products.

Why not host your own Fairtrade coffee tasting masterclass following along with Co-op's coffee experts or make the Co-op's ultimate Fairtrade chocolate cake for a bake sale?

Download the Co-op Fairtrade Fortnight Pack to learn more about how to take part, for information on how climate change is affecting producers, and how Fairtrade is supporting them to build climate resilience.

Coop cocoa dark chocolate bars are all fairtrade - sold in Crewe stores (Co-op).

Download the pack here.

Co-op membership helps support Co-op's national charity partners and Local Community Fund causes.

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