All the fun of the Fairtrade Fortnight with films, football and food

The first products labelled Fairtrade appeared on supermarket shelves in 1994 and now over 4,500 products are licensed to hold the Fairtrade label.

This move has benefited over seven million people in Africa, Asia and Latin America improving conditions for farmers who were exporting goods to the UK.

Edinburgh was awarded a Fairtrade status in 2004 and celebrates this award across the City through Fairtrade Fortnight.

The programme runs from February 25 to March 10 bringing together the public with businesses, producers and campaigners to promote awareness and sales of Fairtrade products through music, film, comedy and food.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: ?The packed programme of events planned for the next two weeks is testament to how far Fairtrade Fortnight in Edinburgh has come since we were awarded Fairtrade status in 2004.

?Through this campaign and the Lord Provost's Fairtrade Awards we are aiming to encourage more and more people to become ethical shoppers whilst also recognising the fantastic contribution that individuals and businesses are making to Fair Trade throughout Edinburgh.?

This year's theme is based around 'Go Further this Fairtrade Fortnight' aiming to highlight the need to think about where our food comes from.

The campaign aims to enforce the idea of a sustainable food system which works for everyone and ensures farmers get a profitable livelihood from the crops that they grow.

As well as an online campaign and petition, events will be held across the country to make the public aware.

Film Screenings

ReelReals: Steps in a world of equal exchange A series of short two minute films will be one a day over the fortnight via YouTube so you can join in the Fairtrade support straight from your home or on-the-go.

If you'd prefer a fuller experience, there will be a full showcase of all the films with refreshments at Summerhall on Sunday, March 10 from 4pm to 6pm.

The films contain interviews with farmers who grow Fairtrade and organic coffee, nuts and honey. You can watch the full journey of making the perfect Fairtrade coffee from bean to cup and see what customers think about Fairtrade products.

Comedy

The Scottish Fairtrade Benefit will take place on Tuesday, February 26 at The Stand. From 8.30pm stand-up comedians Phil Differ and Bob Doolally will help launch the fortnight with a show looking at child labour in the production of footballs. The show will herald Scotland's effort to become a Fairtrade football nation.

In-depth discussion

The Fairtrade Academic Network Seminar will invite Dr Alastair Smith from the University of Cardiff to discuss the meanings of Fairtrade. From 1pm to 2.30pm at the Chrystal Macmillan Building at the University of Edinburgh, the talk will look at the meanings of Fairtrade to the public and workers.

Fairtrade producer Tomy Matthew from India will present a talk at Edinburgh University Fairtrade cafe. The cafe won the Lord Provost Fair Trade Community Award in 2011. The talk will run from 12pm to 2pm and Tomy will be available to chat with the public before and after the event. Tomy is the founder and manager director of Elements India who exports organic coffee, cashews, peppercorns and other supplies. Places are free and booking is not required.

Sport

Edinburgh University will host a Fairtrade football match on Saturday, March 2 from 2pm to 4pm at the Meadows. Gather to watch students and staff from the University play five-a-side.

Fairtrade at the Meadows Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 3. The public can cheer on runners and Fairtrade bananas will be provided at Edinburgh University Teviot Dome for those taking part.

Food and Drink

A Fairtrade coffee morning will take place at Murrayfield Church Centre on Saturday, March 2. There will be a Fairtrade stall with a variety of items for sale, a children's craft corner and children's world teaching more about Fairtrade to a younger audience. The co-op smoothie bike will be on-hand allowing you literally cycle your way to a healthy drink. If you'd prefer something hot to drink, coffee will be on sale. The coffee morning will run from 10am to 12pm and entrance is ?2 for adults, children go free.

A Fairtrade wine tasting evening will take place from 7pm at The Priory Church in South Queensferry. The Queensferry Fairtrade group will offer a tasting of a selection of Fairtrade wines.

The main event

The Fairtrade Family fair and bruncheon will bring live music, free refreshments, talks, tasters of Fairtrade food and a range of activities to Out Of The Blue Drill hall on Saturday, March 9. The free event is for all ages and celebrates Edinburgh as a Fairtrade city. Live music on the day will come from Edimbira, music from Zimbabwe. Fairtrade items will be on sale throughout the day, the fair opens at 10.30am and runs until 2.30pm.

This event will also see the presentation of the 2013 Lord Provost Fair Trade Awards with four awards available. The Fair Trade Achievement Award, The Fair Trade School Award, The Fair Trade Newcomer Award and the Fair Trade Faith Community Award. Applications closed in January and the winners will be announced at the ceremony in Leith.

The Scotmid Co-operative will promote Fairtrade through local schools and the above community events.

Head of Corporate Communications for Scotmid Co-operative said: ?Fairtrade Fortnight is all about raising awareness of the difference we can make to millions of people in developing countries by simply supporting Fairtrade.

?Scotmid is proud to have been a champion of Fairtrade for many years. This fortnight we?ll be giving talks at local schools, holding Fairtrade events in our stores and supporting many other initiatives to educate people of all ages about why Fairtrade is so important.?

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Source: http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/going-out/events-info/214942-fairtrade-fortnight-events-in-edinburgh/

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