#ThePowerOfChoice in choosing fair trade products
This year, Fairtrade SA's annual flagship campaign Fairtrade Fortnight, runs under the slogan #ThePowerOfChoice, during which Fairtrade will unwrap all the reasons why everyone should choose fair trade products. The campaign serves to illustrate how a simple lifestyle choice will allow consumers to create real impact and create a better world.
"What if you could fight climate change by simply drinking your morning coffee? Or give a farm worker's kid a better education by merely sipping your Chardonnay? Look out for the Fairtrade logo on your favourite products and you could do this and more. By choosing Fairtrade you can contribute to a better world all the while enjoying your guilty pleasures. The power of choice lies with you!", so says Lynsay Sampson, marketing and media manager from Fairtrade South Africa.
Which Fairtrade product will you choose this Fortnight?
Coffee:
Coffee plants are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature which makes it difficult for coffee farmers to grow and harvest their crop in light of the extreme weather, droughts, floods and crop disease. Choosing Fairtrade certified coffee allows Fairtrade to support farmers, enabling them to access technical knowledge and funds to successfully adapt to, and mitigate against the worst effects of climate change.
• Click here to see Zeddy, a Kenyan coffee farmer’s story about how she has been able to mitigate the effects of climate change by selling her coffee on Fairtrade terms.
Cocoa:
Child labour remains a reality in West African cocoa-producing communities, where 90% of the world’s cocoa is grown. Choosing Fairtrade certified chocolate allows cocoa farmers to invest in their businesses, improve the quality of their cocoa and increase their sales. Making it possible for families to send their children to school.
• Click here to see how Rose is able to increase the quality of her cocoa by selling it on Fairtrade terms.
Wine:
The delivery of basic education remains a challenge in many farming communities in South Africa. Choosing Fairtrade certified wine allows farm workers to invest the Fairtrade Development Premium into establishing functional foundation, primary and secondary education for their children.
• Click here to see how Crissi, a farm worker's daughter, has access to a state-of-the-art mobile library, computer training, and books.
Tea
Rooibos tea farmers often end up in the trade because of family ties and heritage. In many instances, rooibos farming is not economically viable. Choosing Fairtrade certified tea allows small-scale rooibos farmers to earn a minimum price for their harvest which has the ability to increase household incomes and yields.
• Click here to find out how Barend is able to save towards his retirement through the sale of his crops on Fairtrade terms.
Your choice gives Fairtrade small-scale farmers and workers a sense of security, which allows them to plan better.
Campaign highlights:
The World Fairtrade Challenge (WFC), 13-15 May
Fairtrade Fortnight will feature what aims to be the biggest Fairtrade coffee break in the world. Coffee lovers around the world are being urged to drink a record amount of Fairtrade coffee to show their support for the 800,000 Fairtrade certified coffee farmers, from 30 countries, affected by climate change. The goal is to achieve a record number of cups of Fairtrade coffee drunk within three days and to send a powerful message: small-scale coffee farmers have global support for their fight against climate change.
To participate in the challenge, interested parties can register on the WFC website and either host or join a coffee break event. All they have to do is log the number of Fairtrade cups of coffee they drink between 13 and 15 May and Fairtrade will add them up. Visit Fairtrade Challenge for ideas and materials to help you organise an event.
“We invite everyone in South Africa to participate in the Fairtrade challenge, to challenge (nominate) your friends and peers to match the amount of Fairtrade coffee you drink and to share your events tagging #FairtradeChallenge on social media,” says Sampson.
Fairtrade pop-up shops:
Companies with more than 50 staffers qualify for a Fairtrade coffee pop-up shop to visit your office during Fairtrade Fortnight! Contact the Fairtrade office on 021 44 88 911 for more info.
The Fairtrade Cook-off:
Keep an eye on Fairtrade SA’s Instagram and Twitter pages as they have challenged some of your favourite TV and Radio personalities to cook with Fairtrade products and host an intimate dinner or lunch for close friends. Vote for your favourite contestant and stand a chance to win great prizes.
Retail Promos:
Customers can also look for the Fairtrade logo on products in Pick ‘n Pay between 9 and 22 May to score double points. The ultra-premium Bosman Adama red & white wines will also be launched in Makro Stores nationwide during the Fortnight period.
Twitter Chat:
Consumers can join FairtradeSA on Twitter on Thursday 12 May at 10.30am to talk about all things coffee – from single origin, to select blends and everything in between. Follow the hashtag #FairtradeSAChat to join the conversation.
For more information, updates and spot prizes visit Fairtrade and follow @FairtradeSA and #FairtradeFortnight on Insta and Facebook.
