A speaker meeting held in York on 30th May raised awareness of the United Nations Rio +20 meeting that takes place in June.

Professor Dave Raffaelli and Nicola Sansom at the Rio +20 event

Oxfam’s North of England Activist Coordinator, Nicola Sansom, held up Fairtrade as an example of successful action for a sustainable future.  Although society is a long way off from taking the actions necessary to secure the well being of future generations, there is still much that has taken place that should be celebrated, including the rise of the Fairtrade movement.

Fairtrade is sustainable as it seeks to offer producers long term livelihoods, often encouraging diversification.  The Fairtrade movement seeks to minimise adverse environmental impact, for example supporting organic farming and ending the use of many pesticides which can cause serious health problems and poison the land and water supply.

Nicola called on the audience to back Oxfam’s Grow campaign which supports sustainable small scale agriculture.

Professor Dave Raffaelli from the Environment Department at the University of York, who is the director of the UK programme “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Sustainability”, talked about his work at national and international levels to find new ways to help communities develop, without threatening the very landscapes and biodiversity which underpins their livelihoods.

Three of Yorkshire’s bishops have given strong backing to the campaign for Fairtrade Yorkshire.

Bishop John of Ripon & Leeds has said:

‘Fair Trade is one of the great movements of our time.   It contributes to the welfare of people throughout the world and helps to ensure justice.   I am delighted to support the aim of Fairtrade status for Yorkshire.’

Bishop Tony of Pontefract:

‘I am very pleased to support the campaign to make ‘God’s Own County’ a Fairtrade county.  Supporting farmers in poor countries is so important for them.  They want to be able to help themselves and Fairtrade gives them a really good start’

Bishop Stephen of Wakefield:

‘I am delighted that Yorkshire is at the forefront of trying to achieve Fairtrade status. Justice for all people is central to the Christian Faith which is why so many churches support Fairtrade products. I very pleased indeed to be able to support this important initiative.’

For Fairtrade Fortnight this year a Coffee Crawl took place around some of the many coffee shops in Sheffield City Centre that serve Fairtrade refreshments.  Joining the fun was the Rev Vernon Marsh, Sheffield Methodist District chairman.  Venues visited included Crucible Corner and Zooby’s.

Sheffield Methodist District, which not only serves the steel city but covers Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster as well, is now officially a Fairtrade District.  Many congratulations to all involved with that great campaign.

Leeds Rhinos players took part in the multi-faith InterActive Sports Day held at Leeds Met University on March 29th.

There was a great day of sporting activities and ‘global bingo’ organised by Fairtrade Yorkshire’s Hannah Dalrymple.  Fairtrade refreshments were provided by Fairtrade Leeds. Medals were awarded by the Lord Mayor of Leeds and Leeds Rhino’s team players.

Fairtrade activist Cynthia had donated a Fairtrade football which became a lucky draw prize, won by Kirkstall Valley Primary School.

The theme for Fairtrade Fortnight was Take A Step for Fairtrade to make the world a fairer place with lots of Crofton residents joining in to do their bit.

Cynthia Dickinson of Wakefield Fairtrade steering group, took assemblies in the three primary schools using the story of a Fairtrade football. She then asked the children to draw footprints and collect Fairtrade marks over the following couple of weeks. The result was amazing and Cynthia was delighted to revisit the schools with certificates and prizes (footballs and chocolate) for participating youngsters. Shay Lane Primary School children produced a staggering 1312 footprints.

Meanwhile older residents made Footprint Pledges to support Fairtrade. Thanks to librarian Lynne Loy and library staff, hundreds of footprints from school children, library users and local groups such as Crofton Mothers’ Club, Community Cafe, Reading Group and Darby & Joan Club, were on display in Crofton Library.

Thanks to everyone who entered – we’ve whittled down the entrants to five finalists and we proudly present their videos for your viewing and voting.

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Karen of Fairtrade Bradford (left) & Fair Trade Way founders join the Lord Mayor of Bradford (right)

The Lord Mayor of Bradford launched the Fair Trade Way which will link the city with Fairtrade towns and villages in the district, crossing some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside.

A series of 9 walks are taking place.  The first ventured to Bingley and the 9th will return to Bradford on 12th May.

Come and join the Fair Trade Way.

Full details can be found at the link below:

Bradford Fair Trade Way

Photo taken at Boar’s well, Bradford

York Festival of Fairtrade 2012
The York Festival was a great success with over 100 events, including activities in schools, on campus and many church celebrations. The annual Fair Trade Market ran for 3 days, creating quite a buzz in Parliament Street.  It was visited by more than 4000 people.

Capoeira dancers at York Fair Trade Market

On the Saturday afternoon at the Fair Trade Market, the annual entertainment event took place with a full musical programme, including the vibrant sound of York Samba and a display of capoeira.  Fair Trade volunteers gave out Fairtrade York map leaflets and spoke to hundreds of people at the Fairtrade info stall.

Would you like to win a hamper of fairtrade goodies worth over £50? As one of the events for Fairtrade Fortnight 2012, the Harrogate Borough Fairtrade Steering Group is offering you a chance to do just that by stepping round Harrogate town centre on a “treasure trail” of just six of the coffee shops that regularly serve fairtrade drinks and food, from Saturday 25th February to Saturday 10th March 2012 inclusive.

Simply visit each of the six venues listed on the leaflet, (available to download FREE from www.harrogatefairtrade.co.uk or you will be able to pick up a copy in the participating coffee shops) and you will find an A4 poster (look for a footprint shape!) prominently displayed in each of them. Enter the two pieces of information you will find on every poster onto the leaflet, then rearrange the letters to form a word linked to fairtrade and send your completed form back to the address given by 15 March 2012. The trail will take from 20 to 30 minutes to complete – a bit longer if you stop for refreshment in one of the venues! All correct entries will be entered into the draw to win the hamper.