By supporting Fairtrade you are helping to make a real difference to the lives of more than seven million farmers, workers and their families in 59 developing countries.
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Buying Fairtrade products ensures that producers receive a fair price for their goods – and there is also a ‘social premium’ which goes towards providing community facilities such as clean water and the producers decide on projects democratically. Paying sustainable prices addresses the injustices of conventional trade which can discriminate against the poorest, weakest producers.
Watch the Fairtrade Foundation's video below to hear how Edith's life has changed.
What can you do?
1. Shop Fairtrade
Within Suffolk we are fortunate to be supported by local Fairtrade supporters’ groups which come together under the banner of the Suffolk Association of Fairtrade Towns. Eight towns across the county are Fairtrade Towns and we also have two Fairtrade shops - in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. Both shops have a wide range of delicious and interesting Fairtrade and ethically sourced products from around the world.
Don't forget to also look out for products with the Fairtrade mark in supermarkets and some churches also have their own pop up Fairtrade stall!
2. Encourage your church to become a Fairtrade Church
We are a Fairtrade Diocese and many of our churches are too. If your church is not already a Fairtrade Church then we would love for you to encourage your church to become one! You can find out more here:
How to become a Fairtrade Church | Weblink
More information
For further information please email Richard Stainer, Joint World Development Adviser for the Diocese. Richard is also available to come to talk to church groups or at church services about Fairtrade.
You can also visit the following websites:
- Fairtrade Foundation | Weblink
- Suffolk Fair Trade | Weblink
The addresses of the Fairtrade shops in Ipsiwch and Bury St Edmunds are:
- The Fair Trade Shop, 20A Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1EB, 01473 288225
- Just Traid, St John's Centre, 30 St John's Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1SJ, 01284 756860
