Fairtrade

What is Fairtrade?

Small-scale farmers and producers in the developing world often bear the costs and risks of trade, while global companies make the profits. Fairtrade products such as tea, cocoa, bananas and thousands of other top quality goods have been bought by companies for sustainable prices. 

Fairtrade ensures the world’s poorest growers and producers are able to earn a decent living and earn a premium they can put back into their communities.

Why does CAFOD support Fairtrade?

CAFOD founded the Fairtrade Foundation in 1992 along with Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, the World Development Movement and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.

We believe we are all part of the global food system - which means we have the power to change it. Changing the food we buy and choosing products from Fairtrade companies is one of the ways we can help tackle poverty.

What is Fairtrade Fortnight?

Fairtrade Fortnight is returning from 21 February to 6 March 2022 with its online festival ‘Choose the world you want’.

For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid.

Last year’s festival saw campaigners, shoppers, students and businesses come together in a show of support for the farmers behind our food on the front line of the climate crisis. From online panels to bake-offs and coffee mornings over 100 events took place up and down the UK, shouting about the power of Fairtrade and what needs to happen next to ensure farmers and workers are put front and centre of conversations on how to tackle the climate crisis.

Fairtrade Foundation’s festival events will open for registration in late January.

Find out about Fairtrade Fortnight