Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
In 2008, Wales made history as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation—a legacy we’re proud to uphold. The Welsh Government remains firmly committed to supporting fair trade and ethical consumption. Fairtrade empowers producers across the globe, helping to safeguard the future of our favourite foods, essential products, and the planet.
This year, Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 22 September to 5 October under the theme ‘Do it Fair’. Across Wales, local Fair Trade groups will be marking the occasion with a range of community events, supported by small grants from Fair Trade Wales. Activities include:
- Barry (Vale of Glamorgan): Celebrating 10 years as a Fairtrade Town with a Fairtrade Quiz Night.
- Monmouthshire (County Council and groups in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth and Usk): Hosting the Biggest Ever Fairtrade Coffee Morning in partnership with Size of Wales and the Cookalong Club.
- Pontypridd (RCT): Collaborating with local businesses to trial and promote Fairtrade products.
- Ynys Mon: Cytûn churches coming together for a community lunch and Fairtrade stalls.
- Bangor (Gwynedd): Organising a local school art competition with a prize ceremony.
On Tuesday, Ministers and Members of the Senedd had the opportunity to meet with Fair Trade Wales at the Senedd to learn more about the updated Fair Trade Nation criteria and the real-world impact of choosing Fairtrade for producers around the world.
I’m especially pleased to welcome back to Wales Jenipher Sambazi from Jenipher’s Coffi for Fairtrade Fortnight. A regular visitor from Mbale, Uganda, Jenipher grows Fairtrade and organic coffee on her smallholding and leads her coffee co-operative. Her inspiring story brings to life the true value of Fairtrade.
As part of her visit, Jenipher will take part in an engagement session at Ferrari’s Roastery in Bridgend, where her coffee is roasted and packaged for public sale and for contracts with organisations including the Welsh Government, The Royal Mint, Companies House, and the DVLA.
Jenipher will also meet schoolchildren to share her experiences of life in Uganda and travel to a farm in Eryri to meet with members of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
Fairtrade Fortnight is a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made in tackling global poverty and inequality. Our commitment to fair trade remains strong and together, we can ensure that fairness and justice are at the heart of trade. Fairtrade is more than a label - it’s a movement. Whatever you do… Do it Fair.