CAMPAIGNERS in Horsforth are calling on local people to help farmers and workers in developing countries by supporting Fairtrade Fortnight.

Organisers of the national event, from February 23 to March 8, are asking shoppers and businesses to choose products that change lives. Local campaigners will join forces with the rest of the country and share stories from third world farmers to remind everyone of the difference Fairtrade makes.

Horsforth, which is campaigning to become a Fairtrade town, will hold events to publicise the cause.

During its regular Farmers Market on Saturday, March 7 at St Margaret’s School, from10am to 12.30pm there will be a chance to sample a Fairtrade pancake and to find out more about the campaign. The difference the foundation makes to the lives of tea farmers in Malawi will be described in a film at St. Margaret’s Parish Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday, February 25. The Message from Malawi will also involve a chance to taste test various fairly traded goods. Both events are free.

Rev Matt Wright from Horsforth Fairtrade Town Steering Group said: “Over the past 20 years, Fairtrade has paved the way for fairer and ethical trading, but there is still a long way to go in the global south. We want to drive more benefits for farmers and workers in the Fairtrade system and make sure we can support those who aren’t in it, so they can receive a fairer deal too.

“It is easy to get behind Fairtrade Fortnight 2015 and we hope as many residents in Horsforth as possible will show their support for Fairtrade.

“Seventy per cent of the world’s food is produced by 500 million smallholder farmers yet many of them remain trapped in chronic poverty while shoppers enjoy the fruits of their labour. Fairtrade ensures farmers across the developing world receive a fairer price for their work, as well as an additional Fairtrade Premium, used by farmers and workers to invest in their communities.”

Adam Gardner, Fairtrade Foundation’s Communities Campaigns Manager, said: “The UK has one of the most powerful networks of Fairtrade campaigners in the world, raising awareness about Fairtrade values in their communities and driving positive change for smallholder farmers, and their families, in developing countries. It is thanks to the support of groups like Horsforth Fairtrade Town Steering Group that currently more than 1.4 million farmers and workers around the world benefit from the Fairtrade system.

“In 2015, we want to see more individuals and businesses buying and selling Fairtrade products in the UK. The more that people choose Fairtrade, the more farmers and workers will be empowered to improve their lives.”

Contact matt@lhbc.org.uk or follow the group on Twitter: @HorsforthFTtown to find our more about Fairtrade fortnight in Horsforth.