Fairtrade Guernsey is encouraging people to ‘Brew It Fair’ during Fairtrade Fortnight, with a campaign aiming to raise awareness.
Starting on Monday 22 September, the focus is on the variety of challenges faced by tea farmers and workers, and hopes to encourage individuals and organisations to switch to Fairtrade tea.
Hannah Davis, from the Fairtrade Guernsey Steering Group, highlighted the disconnect between the comfort of drinking a cup of tea, and the difficult reality for the farmers who produce it.
“When most of us think of a cup of tea, we think of comfort, refreshment, taking a break or catching up with loved ones.”
Ms Davis continued: “What we are less likely to think about is the journey the tea we drink has been on, the people who have carefully picked the tea leaves – carrying up to 30 kilograms on their backs at a time – and what their days look like.
“They deserve to be able to plan for their futures, and to protect themselves from the impacts of the climate crisis.”
Fairtrade Guernsey suggests taking part by hosting a tea party, serving afternoon tea, or simply introducing Fairtrade tea into your regular routine.
“Unfortunately, fairness in the tea industry isn’t a given, and families in tea growing communities across the world are facing huge challenges that most tea drinkers are unaware of,” said Ms Davis. “But together, our actions can have a positive impact on real people’s lives.
“Fairer pay. Fairer treatment. Fairer futures. That’s Fairtrade. It’s not just a label – it’s a movement. And this Fairtrade Fortnight we hope that people and organisations in Guernsey will join the movement by celebrating Fairtrade tea and campaigning for change.”
Guernsey has been a ‘Fairtrade Island’ since 2006, and institutions like the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and Guernsey Prison have switched to Fairtrade products.
Deputy Jennifer Strachan, the President of the Overseas Aid & Development Commission expressed the pride the States of Guernsey has to support Fairtrade and that the adoption of Fairtrade products.
“The States of Guernsey is proud to actively support Fairtrade and having successfully adopted its products at the hospital and prison, we are showing how easy it is to switch products to those that make a real positive impact on the communities growing our food and drink.”
Deputy Strachan continued: “The Overseas Aid & Development Commission is pleased to champion the Fairtrade movement, which is aligned with our mission to support those living in the world’s least developed countries, who are often farmers.”
There are plenty of opportunities to spread awareness and support fairtrade during the next fortnight including a schools’ competition, which will see students designing a poster to promote Fairtrade tea. The deadline for entries is Friday 10 October, with the winning design used by the Steering Group in future campaigns.
There’s also a Fairtrade tea break for States Members planned for Thursday 25 September, in the Grand Hall of the Royal Court building, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the Fairtrade Requête and the Guernsey Prison’s recent switch to Fairtrade products.
Lastly there’s a joint event on Thursday 25 September for the Fairtrade tasting evening with the Farm Shop. It’s invitation only, and will include tastings of Fairtrade products and talks by Fairtrade Guernsey and the Farm Shop.
The Old Government House Hotel has been using Fairtrade products for over 15 years and is one local business joining in on the Brew It Fair campaign this Fairtrade Fortnight.
Andrew Chantrell, OGH General Mamager said they’re proud to support the campaign by celebrating Fairtrade through its afternoon tea experience.
“By choosing Fairtrade tea, we’re helping ensure that the farmers and workers behind every cup are treated fairly and paid sustainably.
“Join us as we raise our teacups to a fairer future—one brew at a time.”