MIKE HEDGES AM CELEBRATES FAIR TRADE FORTNIGHT

MIKE HEDGES AM CELEBRATES FAIR TRADE FORTNIGHT

Speaking from his Swansea East Constituency, Mike Hedges AM said… ‘Wales is approaching the 11^th Anniversary of Wales being a Fair Trade Nation, and it is good to reflect on how far Wales has come in that period. Much has been achieved, such as the memorandum of understanding on Fair trade between different regions of the UK.

Brexit is a challenge for us all, but we must ensure that whatever deal is struck safeguards Fair trade agreements on products such as cocoa and bananas. Brexit must not be allowed to undermine the good work which the Fair trade movement has achieved.

I have attended Fair trade events at the Senedd and in Swansea and I have seen for myself the good work undertaken by the movement in supporting suppliers in Africa and Central and South America. We must ensure that we do all we can to support the Fair Trade movement in the years ahead.’

What is Fair Trade?

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

With Fairtrade you have the power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal. And that means they can make their own decisions, control their future and lead the dignified life everyone deserves.

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