Mayor of Kirklees on a mission for Fairtrade town
START Fairtrade fortnight with an ethical cuppa.
That was the plea Mayor of Kirklees, councillor Julie Stewart-Turner, is encouraging people to join her in ‘The Big Swap’.
For two whole weeks she’s asking locals to swap as many of their usual groceries for Fairtrade products.
Two billion people – a third of the human race – survive on less than £1.30 a day and unfair trade rules prevent them from escaping poverty.
Green Clr Stewart-Turner said: “I believe there is a growing desire in our communities to ensure people all over the world are treated fairly.
“Fairtrade is about bringing the farmer and the shopper closer together.
“It is about putting people at the heart of trade and it naturally complements the ongoing local food campaign I’ve adopted for my time in office.
“Most Fairtrade products aren’t easily grown in this country, but our farmers’ markets already include Fairtrade stalls.”
Kirklees Council is giving its official backing to the international Fairtrade Fortnight and ‘The Big Swap’ campaign.
A number of community events promoting Fairtrade have been organised for this fortnight.
The ultimate aim is to gain Fairtrade status for Huddersfield from The Fairtrade Foundation.
The council must show that they have successfully promoted Fairtrade by meeting a series of goals.
Mirfield, Holme Valley and the Batley and Spen parliamentary constituencies are already Fairtrade towns within Kirklees, while the University of Huddersfield became a Fairtrade university last year.
Leader of the council, Mehboob Khan, said: “This is an important campaign as it shows our commitment to helping producers in the developing world and making sure they receive the support they deserve.
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