MP launches fairtrade fortnight

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is encouraging local residents to support Fairtrade Fortnight 2014. This year's event will run from 24 February until 9 March.

Tim is a long-standing supporter of the Fairtrade movement, which ensures that producers in developing countries are paid a minimum guaranteed price for their goods. In return, producers agree to maintain employment and environmental standards.

Tim, whose office switched to using many Fairtrade products seven years ago, said: "This fortnight is a great opportunity to promote and celebrate ethical trading on a local level. When the Fairtrade movement was founded, the only product available was a single chocolate bar. Since then, the range and availability of Fairtrade goods has grown to the extent that Fairtrade sales in the UK topped £1.5 billion in 2012.

"So many local people here in Cumbria already support Fair Trade to ensure that farmers and producers around the world get a fair deal. Our county and many of our towns and parishes like Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Windermere, The Lakes and Coniston hold Fairtrade status. We really are leading the way on this.

"As a community we must stand together to secure fair trade for farmers whether they are from Columbia or Cumbria. Even small changes to shopping patterns can make a massive difference to communities in the developing world."