Brazilian activist to thank Inishowen businesses for selling Fairtrade

A leading fair trade activist will travel to Inishowen next month to encourage others to use ethically sourced products during Fairtrade Fortnight.

Brazilian Rafael Furtado Fonseca, who is the marketing director of a leading fair trade coffee co-operative COOMAP, is coming to visit Buncrana, Clonmany, Ballyliffin and Moville on March 7 as part of a joint initiative by Fairtrade Ireland and Changemakers Donegal.

The Fairtrade mark is a certification system run by the Fairtrade Foundation and products are entitled to be called Fairtrade if they meet certain criteria.

Inspiring Inclusion at International Women’s Day celebration in Carndonagh

‘Connecting Communities: A Celebration of Women Food and Culture’ aims to bring together women from all communities in Inishowen to share traditions and cultures

During his visit, Rafael intends to visit local shopkeepers to thank them for using Fairtrade products and to encourage them to stock more. He will also visit local coffee shops in Buncrana and talk to them about the importance of Fairtrade and how it can improve the lives of so many people working in the coffee industry.

Rafael, along with Fairtrade representatives, will attend events in Moville and Clonmany where they will enjoy Fairtrade products and speak to people about how it is important to keep the Fairtrade momentum going following their award of Fairtrade status in 2017.

Myra McAuliffe, project co-ordinator of Changemakers, which is an Inishowen Development

Partnership Initiative that is partnered with Donegal ETB, Self Help Africa, Trócaire, and Concern and funded by Irish Aid, said they want to get the message out that Fairtrade matters.

“Our focus this year is on getting more Fairtrade products available in Donegal shops, cafes and hotels at a time when climate change is already affecting growers, producers and traders. 

“We can all see, hear and feel the effects of climate change around us but it is affecting small farmers and workers more than most. Making small changes such as buying Fairtrade tea, coffee, bananas, chocolate and even flowers with the Fairtrade mark can make a difference.

“For example, the chocolate brand Tony Chocolonely is 100% Fairtrade so stocking this in your shops or cafes can make a difference.”

Carndonagh and Moville have already received Fairtrade Town status, while Buncrana is currently in the running to be named Inishowen’s third Fairtrade town. Ballyliffin and Clonmany are aiming to achieve Fairtrade Community status.

“The fair trade movement works with farming co-operatives, businesses, and governments to make trade fair for farmers and workers. It provides safer working conditions and fairer pay while for shoppers it means high quality, ethically produced products,” added Myra.