Photo – Alan Mak MP with Julio – a Colombian Fairtrade farmer – and Fairtrade volunteers at the Meridian Centre
Havant MP Alan Mak has thrown his support behind Fairtrade Fortnight following his meeting with a Colombian banana farmer at the Meridian Centre. The two-week initiative, supported by the Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum, is running from 29th February until 12th March and will see numerous events in Havant and the surrounding area to promote the benefits of Fairtrade.
Mr Mak met with Julio Mercado Cantillo, a 57-year-old banana farmer from Colombia who established his own Fairtrade co-operative to fight low prices in his home markets. The co-operative now has 40 producers and nearly 500 staff contributing to a business that exports its premium quality produce worldwide.
Mr Cantillo joined the Havant MP and representatives from the Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum at the Meridian Centre in Havant, where they distributed Fairtrade bananas - donated by Fyffes - and promoted the advantages of Fairtrade produce.
Alan Mak said: “It was brilliant to meet Julio today and help him promote the Fairtrade produce that he works so hard to send all over the world. It is great to see Havant residents getting behind the Fairtrade Fortnight.”
The Havant MP added: “It is vital that we know where our food comes from, and to ensure that it is from a sustainable and ethical source. Meeting Julio and the team from Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum today has really reinforced this fact, and I am pleased to support the cause of Fairtrade around Havant.”
Sue James from the Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum said: “We’re delighted to have Julio coming to visit as we can share the story of how Fairtrade has changed his community and encourage more people to buy Fairtrade products.”
Ms James added: “The Havant Fairtrade group is delighted that Havant MP Alan Mak was able to join us to show support for Fairtrade and to hear from Julio how his family's life has been transformed.”
Other events in the local area over Fairtrade Fortnight include: a Fairtrade ‘Fun Day’ at Portsmouth University Students’ Union on Wednesday 2nd March and a Fairtrade Day in Gosport on Saturday 5th March. Campaigners are encouraging residents to hold a Fairtrade breakfast at some point over the two weeks in order to highlight the issues such as food security for small-scale farmers.