Fairtrade offers one important way forward for farmers, especially in the developing world. All food should be fairly traded, and I look forward to the day when we don’t need to label products in this way. Until then, buy Fairtrade!

Most of us are appalled by the
poverty in which so many people in the developing world live. Buying Fairtrade products is an answer to how each of us can help poor people to build a better life for themselves and their families.

I am proud to support Fairtrade in Swindon. Fluctuating prices in the commodity markets can cause hardship in the developing world, making life miserable for struggling farmers - leading to limited life choices for their children. We need to support a more sustainable way of trading for the things we love - for example, coffee, cocoa and cotton. Fairtrade offers suppliers a stable price for their crop, allowing disadvantaged producers to gain equitable access to the open markets in the wealthy western world.

I am delighted to have been invited
to be Patron of Swindon Fairtrade Coalition. The Bible makes it clear that giving labourers a fair price and ensuring that producers are not exploited or treated unjustly is a matter high on God's agenda. In this increasingly global economy, we are learning how practices which promote trade justice do not only make humanitarian sense, they create healthier societies and economies.

In seeking to bring all to an understanding of Global Citizenship and the issues facing the Southern World we have established direct and mutually valued links with schools and communities world wide whilst at home we have espoused the positive dimension of ‘Fairtrade’ using products that support sustainability and give proper reward to those who are the primary producers.