Looking forward to Fairtrade Fortnight, just over 2 weeks away. There is a lot planned in Guernsey, starting with the Fairtrade Steering Group serving Fairtrade Tea & Coffee to the Island’s Deputies during the lunch break in their February States meeting. The highlight of the Fortnight in undoubtedly the visit to Guernsey by Barbara Crowther, Communications Director of the Fairtrade Foundation. Barbara Crowther is the Director of Communication at The Fairtrade Foundation. The Fairtrade Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with businesses, community groups and individuals to improve the trading position of producer organizations in the global south, and promote sustainable livelihoods. The Fairtrade Foundation licences the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products certified to internationally agreed Fairtrade standards – as a tool for development. Over 4,500 Fairtrade certified products have been licensed to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK, with sales of Fairtrade products up by 40% in 2010 to an estimated retail value of £1.17bn.
Barbara leads Fairtrade’s grassroots campaigning, media and PR, Policy, Research and Public Affairs programmes. Nine in ten UK adults say they have heard of Fairtrade, and a recent TNS Omnibus survey revealed that 77% of adults are now aware of the FAIRTRADE Mark, making it easily the most recognized ethical label in the UK.
Barbara has worked in international development education and campaigning since 1989, including work on campaigns to ban landmines, cancel unpayable poor country debts and ethical trade with CAFOD, and on asylum, and on UK and international child poverty with Save the Children. Barbara also served from 2004 -2007 on the Board of the Trade Justice Movement, a coalition of over 60 organisations working to make trade work better for people and the planet. During her visit, she will talk to schools, businesses and the media.
The ever popular Fairtrade Quiz is also happening on 25 February and Les Cotils are taking bookings on 727793.