On the occasion of the Fairtrade Fortnight, the district MP tabled a parliamentary motion calling for action against climate change.
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, Greater Manchester, also praised the urban Fairtrade Group’s work in helping disadvantaged farmers around the world.
Fairtrade Fortnight is a global campaign that shows how the climate crisis threatens the future of food and its producers.
In Parliament, Mr Mishra tabled the motion, which was signed by 11 other MEPs.
It says: “That this house is celebrating the current fortnight of Fairtrade and has recognized Stockport’s position as a Fairtrade district since 2003.
“Acknowledges the contribution of the Stockport Fairtrade Group and its volunteers in raising awareness of the importance of buying Fairtrade products and helping disadvantaged farmers and workers in countries prevent exploitation and poverty and become more resilient to climate change and improve sustainability. “
Mr Mishra also mentioned in the motion that he also wanted to acknowledge the work of the Stockport Fairtrade Group and the Unison Stockport subsidiary in running the annual Stockport Fairtrade Christmas market.
The motion continues: “The House notes that the group’s educational efforts are taking place in Fairtrade schools in Greater Manchester. Notes also that the group managed to be named Community Group of the Month for the Fairtrade Foundation in 2019; and recognizes all of the Stockport Fairtrade Group volunteers who have worked so hard over the past 18 years to raise awareness about ethical products. “
To mark the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 22nd to March 7th, Mr Mishra also attended a virtual parliamentary event hosted by the All Party Group (APPG) for Fairtrade.
The online event was attended by the Kenyan Fairtrade tea producer Patrick Kaberia Muthaura, Managing Director of the Fairtrade Foundation Michael Gidney, as well as the two Chairs Holly Lynch MP and Jason McCartney MP.
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra
Labor MP Mishra said: “I am very excited to support Fairtrade Fortnight this year and to support Fairtrade’s call to protect rural communities on the front lines of the climate crisis worldwide.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to farmers today: droughts, floods, storms and other disasters threaten their livelihoods and the food crops on which many of us here in the UK depend.
“Buying Fairtrade products is an easy way we can all help ensure these farmers have the resources they need to cope with the changing climate and protect their crops from weather-related disasters.
“That’s why it’s wonderful to see so many residents here in Stockport commit to using Fairtrade products and supporting Fairtrade as the key to making trade fairer for farmers and workers in lower-income countries.”
As part of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fairtrade Foundation invites individuals across the country to participate in a virtual festival – Choose the World You Want Festival – to support climate justice for farmers and workers overseas.
Events include performances, workshops, panel discussions, cooking alongs and lectures in collaboration between the Fairtrade Foundation and retailers, artists, farmers, chefs and big names in the world of food and sustainability.
Nilufar Verjee, Public Relations Director for the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Farmers and workers in farming communities in low-income countries have contributed the least to the climate crisis – yet they are among the most vulnerable in the world and are already feeling the worst. from unpredictable weather to natural disasters and disease.
“But without stable incomes, these farmers are unable to combat the effects of climate change and continue to struggle to meet their immediate needs.
“Poverty and environmental damage in our food supply chains will not end until exploited farmers are paid fairly and given the opportunity to make their own choices. Only then can they effectively combat the effects of the climate crisis. “
