MP supports Pulborough Fairtrade Fortnight
Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert called into Four Seasons greengrocers in Pulborough on Saturday morning (1 March) to support the village’s Fairtrade Fortnight event.
Gerald Batt, Chairman of the Pulborough Fairtrade Group, invited Nick to join them in mixing up banana smoothies using a specially adapted bike. Using pedal power, Fairtrade bananas were whizzed up in a blender to create the drinks.
It was a fun way of making the public aware of the choices they have when buying food. The Fairtrade logo is now a familiar sight on food products and exists to protect farmers by ensuring they earn a fair price for their harvests.
In the 13 years since the first Fairtrade bananas were made available in the UK, over 1.2 billion - 1 in every 3 bananas - have been sold.
However, the competitive nature of retail has meant that some supermarkets are squeezing the price of bananas to a level that does not sustain farmers. Fairtrade provides a safety net for the farmers, and while that may mean paying a little more for the fruit, it is an ethical choice for the buyer.
Pulborough was awarded its Fairtrade Village status in 2007, the first West Sussex village to be granted the title. The Pulborough Fairtrade Group has supported the campaigns by raising awareness with the general public.
Gerald Batt Chairman of Pulborough Fairtrade Group said: “Since the beginning of February, Emma, the owner of Four Seasons, has been selling Fairtrade bananas, giving customers the opportunity to support both their local greengrocer and Fairtrade. It is gratifying to see so many local people visiting 4 Seasons and supporting the campaign for a fair deal for all banana farmers. Shoppers and shopkeepers alike have commented on the lively buzz in Lower Street and wish it could be like this every Saturday.”
Nick Herbert said: "I was delighted to support Pulborough Fairtrade Group again this year, and to help draw attention to the Fairtrade message.