Fairtrade Fortnight 2024 - Be the Change

Did you know that Fairtrade in Britain is marking its 30th birthday? This means 30 years of farmers using the power of Fairtrade to drive change in their communities. Over 2 million farmers and workers across 58 countries, now earn a fairer wage and choose projects to help their local area.

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from from 9th to 22nd September and the theme is Be the Change, spotlighting how everyone can make a difference by choosing products with the Fairtrade Mark and by sharing stories about the difference Fairtrade has made to the lives of some of the poorest people in the world.

Sue James from the Portsmouth Fairtrade group says: “Since Fairtrade certified products first hit the supermarket shelves 30 years ago, Fairtrade has not only pioneered a unique, more equitable way of doing trade, it has become the world’s most recognised and trusted ethical label.

Despite this success, our global food system still isn’t fair. Farmers are frequently forced to sell their crops for less money than they cost to grow. The climate crisis is making conditions more and more challenging for farmers.

So, we’d like to see people pledging to put a product with the Fairtrade Mark in their shopping bags whenever they can and to spread the word, support Fairtrade producers and call for trade justice.

In the Portsmouth area, we are also celebrating our 20 years as a Fairtrade City and we have a number of events including an exhibition at the Central library, posters around the city, a special service at St Mary’s Portsea on 8th September at 4 pm and a Fairtrade stall in Cascades on 19th”.

You can find out more on our website: