Iain is encouraging shoppers in Hartlepool to buy Fairtrade products during this Fairtrade Fortnight (22nd February – 7th March).

Iain welcomed Government plans to boost funding for the Fairtrade labelling system and urged shoppers in Hartlepool to look for the Fairtrade Mark on food, gifts and other products in the shops.

Over 4,500 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade Mark and there are over 460 producer organisations selling to the UK, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers in developing countries. Latest investment will bring another 1 million producers into the scheme and enable 7 million more people in poor countries to benefit from a better deal offered by Fairtrade.

Iain said:

“Small changes in our shopping habits can make a big difference to the world’s poorest people. By buying food, gifts and other products from developing countries we will help grow their economies and reduce poverty.

“When consumers and retailers act together to promote and buy goods from developing countries, we can make a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.”

Douglas Alexander, International Development Secretary, said:

“Iain has been a passionate campaigner on fair trade. I hope shoppers across Hartlepool will join Iain during Fairtrade fortnight and take the chance to swap their usual shopping for Fairtrade products. “