Fair Trade Fortnight

The Fair Trade Fortnight is celebrated annually across the United Kingdom and it aims to increase awareness among the consumers about Fair Trade, its principles, products and how its improving the lives of millions of people-farmers, workers and their families-in developing countries.

The Fair Trade Fortnight concept was pioneered in the UK by the Fair Trade Foundation in (1996). Since then, the Fair Trade fortnight has been gaining tremendous popularity and is now celebrated in several countries, most notably Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

"Change Today, Choose Fair Trade" is the slogan for this years Fair Trade Fortnight, which is going be celebrated from Feb 25th to Mar 9th in both Ireland and the UK. There are a number of events held as a part of this event, including:

• Fetes
• Fairs
• Fair trade food and drink tasting
• Fashion shows

Last year, there were 10,000 events held throughout the UK alone - ranging from small scale local coffee mornings and wine tasting using Fairtrade-marked products to comedy nights, awareness-raising concerts and Londons full-on Fairtrade Fairground.

The two weeks of events and activities are supported by local governments and authorities, Fairtrade Steering Groups, scores of charities and Alternative Trade Organisations (ATO)-all seeking to ensure that the general public purchases fair and ethically traded goods. Local schools and colleges where Fairtrade is a frequently discussed topic also play a large role in the Fairtrade Fortnight.

Events are spotlighted and recorded on a number of national Fairtrade labelling websites and most media divisions are keen to support a fast growing trend in which previously disadvantaged third-world producers have a fairer market to sell their products and develop their economic capabilities.