Very different Fairtrade Fortnight on the menu in East Dunbartonshire

East Dunbartonshire Fairtrade Steering Group is encouraging everyone to continue to play their part in keeping COVID-19 at bay, while supporting efforts to ensure farmers overseas receive fairer prices and the resources needed to tackle climate change.

This year Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 22 February to 7 March and, while no physical events can take place, you can get involved by visiting www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight.

You can also order Fair Trade goods, crafts, books and more from theGavin's Mill online shop - https://www.gavinsmill.org/shop-2/

Liz Ibbotson, of East Dunbartonshire Fairtrade Steering Group, said: "In East Dunbartonshire the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on our Fair Trade activities over the past year.

"There have been no Fair Trade events, no church stalls since March 2020 and no school fairs in the summer or at Christmas.

"Our main Fair Trade outlet, Gavin’s Mill, has suffered two lengthyperiods of closure, although people can still order from our online shop(order by noon on Tuesdays for collection or delivery on Thursdays).

"It feels very strange that we are unable to mark Fairtrade Fortnight inthe way we would like, but we know the generosity of people in EastDunbartonshire will mean they continue to purchase Fair Trade produce where and when then can."

Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 aims to highlight the growing climate changechallenges faced by supported farmers in developing countries.

Crops and livestock are affected by late rains, floods, unusual droughts, damaging winds and unprecedented high temperatures.

The global pandemic also means that farmers have to deal with moreuncertainty than ever before.

The Council works closely with East Dunbartonshire Fairtrade SteeringGroup, as well as Fairtrade Town groups in Lenzie, Bearsden and Milngavie, Gavin's Mill shop/café in Milngavie, Silver Birch in Milton of Campsie, church groups and more.

Councillor Andrew Polson, Leader of the Council, said, "We are committed to the ethos and values of Fair Trade, and will continue to work with local people, organisations, schools, nurseries and traders on this important issue.

"The focus at the moment - rightly - is on helping communitiesthrough the pandemic, but it is important that we continue to consider Fair Trade where possible."

Councillor Vaughan Moody, Leader of the Council, added, "It will be a very different Fairtrade Fortnight this year, but I hope people can still show their support by finding out more about this very important cause and buying Fair Trade produce where possible.

"It all helps to ensure that farmers in developing countries receive an income which allows them a decent standard of living."

East Dunbartonshire has held Fairtrade Zone status continually since 2007.