Shoppers, visitors and workers in the borough are being urged to ‘Change today and choose Fairtrade’ as part of Guildford’s Fairtrade Fortnight from Monday 26 February to Sunday 11 March.

Says Lead Councillor for Projects and Procurement, Cllr Nigel Manning:

“We are keen to encourage people to buy products carrying the Fairtrade mark so that farmers in developing countries can receive a fair deal for the crops they grow plus additional income to invest for the future”.

A celebration of Guildford’s status as a Fairtrade town will take place on Saturday 3 March from 11am in the Guildhall. The Asperion Hotel, which uses Fairtrade, will be cooking up Fairtrade recipes in the Guildhall’s kitchen. There will be free chocolate give-aways, and the new Fairtrade Directory will also be available, listing all the retail outlets that stock Fairtrade products.

“Many people still only think of tea and coffee when they think of Fairtrade but there is actually a huge range of products – from peppercorns, cinnamon and avocados to blueberry muffins, wine and rum – so there really is something for everyone, “ adds Cllr Manning.

Being a Fairtrade town means many local organisations, including the borough council, make Fairtrade products available to staff or members of the public.

For details of Fairtrade Fortnight events in the borough and for a Guildford Fairtrade Directory contact Fiona Booth on 01483 444509 or e mail Fiona.booth@guildford.gov.uk.