6th May 2023

Fairtrade Foundation: Great Big Green Week June 10 - 18

From 10 – 18 June, the UK’s biggest celebration of community action on climate change returns.

Last year Fairtrade campaigners helped run over 50 Great Big Green Week events across the UK.

And this year Fairtrade campaigners will once again be joining events and running their own, sharing the message that to win climate justice, we need trade justice.

Fairtrade staff memebers at a recent Extinction Rebellion event in London, where they were joined by several Fairtrade campaign groups.<https://aaf1a18515da0e792f78-c27fdabe952dfc357fe25ebf5c8897ee.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/1904/380+Climate+protest.jpg?v=1683285819000>

A selection of Fairtrade campaigners and staff (pictured) joined the Extinction Rebellion 'Big One' protest in London last month to speak up for Climate Justice. Find out how to take the Fairtrade message to Great Big Green Week next month. <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382667?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==>

find out more: Great big green week <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382668?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==>

Want to get involved? You can find out more on the Great Big Green Week website <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382669?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> . Including resources to help create, run and promote any events or activities in your area. <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382670?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==>

<https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382671?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==>

Also check out our Fairtrade and Climate Justice webpage <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382672?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> , to see why tackling climate change is such a big priority for small-scale farmers in the communities most affected by unfair trade.

Why does Climate Justice matter to Fairtrade farmers?

Put bluntly, because it is already threatening their immediate future. And the future of many of our favourite foods.

<https://aaf1a18515da0e792f78-c27fdabe952dfc357fe25ebf5c8897ee.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/1904/380+FTCJBFGT.jpg?v=1683289039000>

‘The world is warmer now. Small-scale farmers are struggling to adapt to the climate. We need more support from government and the private sector.’

Ines Zairi, Desert Joy Fairtrade tomato farm representative, Tunisia. Speaking during the Fairtrade and Climate Justice Big Fairtrade Get Together. <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6382674?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==>

93 per cent of Fairtrade coffee farmers told us in a recent survey they are already seeing the effects of climate change. [1]

We regularly hear similar worrying reports worldwide, from cocoa farmers in West Africa to banana growers in South America.

But the good news is choosing Fairtrade makes a difference.

72 per cent of those same Kenyan coffee farmers surveyed said the Fairtrade price they receive helps them to invest in their farms to prepare for climate change. [2]

And all Fairtrade farmers and workers operate in line with the many environmental protections at the heart of our Fairtrade Standards.

As Ines says, we need politicians and big business to act urgently. But we don't need to wait for them to act – your choice to pick up Fairtrade is one real and important way you can take on the unfair Climate Crisis.

Bringing the Fairtrade message to Great Big Green Week

Coming shortly after Fairtrade Fortnight, we know not everyone will be able to run an event or join in a local activity.

But don’t worry – there’s lots of suggestions on our website on other ways to show your support for Fairtrade and Climate Justice.

Best wishes,

Stefan

Campaigns Team, Fairtrade Foundation

P.S. Already have Great Big Green Week plans? We'd love to hear all about them. Just let us know what you have in mind – if possible we'd love to promote your events or activities as much as we can.

[1] Fairtrade Foundation, FairVoice Mobile Survey, Kenya 2022

[2] Fairtrade Foundation, FairVoice Mobile Survey, Kenya 2022