Luis Armando Choco, a cocoa producer from Belize and Yahya Msangi, a trade union organiser from Tanzania met with the Junior Ministers ahead of this afternoon’s Fairtrade Belfast Awards in Parliament Buildings taking place during Fairtrade Fortnight ( 29 February -9 March).
Fairtrade Fortnight provides a platform for supporting groups, retailers and commercial partners to promote Fairtrade Mark and the fairtrade products it appears on.
The Awards are hosted by The Belfast Fairtrade Group and provide an opportunity for nominees and MLAs to hear from producers travelling with Fairtrade Mark Ireland.
Jeffrey Donaldson said: “I welcome this opportunity to hear more about Fairtrade Fortnight and the issues faced by farmers in developing countries.
“Here at Parliament Buildings we try to do our bit to support the Fairtrade cause with our caterers providing Fairtrade items such as sugar, Fairtrade chocolate and Fairtrade Arriba Coffee".
Gerry Kelly said: “The Fairtrade movement is responsible for providing an escape for people from poverty and exploitation, relating between small producers and coffee consumers. It is a compassionate cause and one worthy of supporting.
“We wish them well for their campaign and congratulate all those involved in the Fairtrade for their hard work.”
Notes to Editors:
- Fairtrade guarantees a price to producers that covers their costs of their production. It also provides a premium that can be invested back into their business or community.
- Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of hours contact duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
