Shoppers urged to swop for Fairtrade!

SHOPPERS URGED TO SWAP FOR FAIRTRADE BY TONY

Tony Wright MP is encouraging shoppers in Great Yarmouth to buy Fairtrade products during Fairtrade Fortnight (22^rd February – 7^th March).

Tony welcomed the Government’s plan to quadruple funding for the Fairtrade labelling system to £12 million, and urged shoppers across the Borough to look for the Fairtrade Mark on products when shopping.

This announcement coincides with the official application being sent to make Great Yarmouth a ‘Fairtrade Borough’. A Fairtrade stall will also be set up at the Market Gates shopping centre on 27^th February as part of Fairtrade Fortnight. People will be able to take part in the Fairtrade swap scheme and switch some of their shopping for Fairtrade goods, and can register their swap at www.bigswap.org.uk 

Over 4,500 products carry the Fairtrade mark, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers in developing countries. The Government’s latest investment brings another 1 million producers into the scheme, enabling them to benefit from the better deal offered by Fairtrade.

Tony said: 

‘Small changes in our shopping habits can make a big difference to the world’s poorest people. By buying food and other products from developing countries we will help their economies and reduce poverty.

‘The Government’s plans to boost funding for Fairtrade also tie in with our own efforts here to make Great Yarmouth Norfolk’s first Fairtrade borough. Buying Fairtrade will help so I encourage everyone in Great Yarmouth to look for the Fairtrade label when out shopping.’ 

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander MP said:

‘Tony has been a passionate campaigner on Fairtrade. I hope shoppers across Great Yarmouth and Britain as a whole will join with Tony and take the chance to swap their usual goods for Fairtrade products.’