30 years ago, the first Fairtrade products hit shelves here in the UK. By picking those products up, you have been part of decades of positive change, driven by farmers receiving a fairer price for their hard work.

30 years on, farmers still face huge challenges. But by combining your support and farmers' expertise, there are huge opportunities too. Opportunities to make trade fair and tackle climate change.

To explain, let us introduce you to Jaime

 

'We farm from the heart, and we love growing. With the love I have for my land, I don't see myself working anywhere else.' Jaime Alberto García Flórez, who grows cocoa and Fairtrade coffee on his farm in Colombia.

Everyday we hear stories from farmers like Jaime who are passionate about protecting forests.

Our new petition calls on the UK government to back farmers like him, who are working hard to make sure thriving communities and thriving forests can grow side-by-side. Will you sign?

SIGN THE PETITION

Jaime has been taking action for years – protecting his local environment by practicing forest-friendly farming and planting shade trees. His efforts are a perfect example of how Fairtrade farmers are protecting forests from the drastic effects of climate change. 

 

'We farmers are the first to feel and the first to fight climate change. If we want to leave something for our children, we need to take measures to mitigate the effects of climate change now.' Jaime Alberto García Flórez. Sign to support the work he and other Fairtrade farmers are pioneering to protect forests.

But Jaime's vital work costs money. Without a fair trade system and government climate funding that has been promised, but not yet delivered, the future of farmers like Jaime is at risk.   

Right now, the UK Government is planning new laws aimed at preventing deforestation.  

Sign our new petition to tell our government to ensure legal changes to tackle deforestation do not place the burden on farmers like Jaime. 

SIGN THE PETITION

What does the Protecting Forests with Farmers petition call for?  

When you sign, you are asking the government to deliver on unfulfilled climate funding pledges and bring in crucial legal changes that will mean more farmers like Jaime can farm sustainably. 

On funding, the UK has so far failed to meet its pledged financial commitment of £11.6 billion to support communities most affected by climate change.1 And a specific promise made at COP26 of £500m to tackle deforestation has yet to be delivered.2 

Meanwhile promised new laws on protecting forests must both support locally-led efforts like Jaime's and ensure that big companies take responsibility for their role in deforestation without the costs of compliance being unfairly placed on farmers.3

Sign to ask UK politicians to take action. If we get this right, small-scale farmers around the world will have a better chance to take on climate change and extreme poverty in their communities.  

SIGN THE PETITION

Why deforestation matters for Fairtrade 

 

'The root cause of deforestation is poverty.' Benjamin-Francklin Kouamé, Fairtrade Cocoa Farmer, Côte d'Ivoire, speaking at COP26 in Glasgow on behalf of the Fairtrade movement.

As Benjamin says, we can not tackle deforestation without eliminating the poverty that prevents sustainable choices.

That's why, 30 years on from the first UK Fairtrade sales, Fairtrade's mission is more relevant than ever. To protect our forests, we need to overturn centuries of unjust trade that still leaves millions unable to earn enough for essentials like decent food and medical care. 

SIGN THE PETITION

The Climate Crisis isn't fair. 

Black, Brown and Indigenous rural communities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific are feeling the worst effects of climate change right now. Despite having done the least to cause the climate emergency. 

Those working with the land every day so often have vital knowledge on how to protect the environment and take on climate change. But the failure of the wealthiest nations to deliver fair prices and fair funding – despite decades of promises – means millions of farmers simply can't afford to invest in sustainable farming.  

Sign the petition to call on UK politicians to change this now. 

SIGN THE PETITION

Interested in finding out more about how to get involved locally with Protecting Forests with Farmers?  

This Spring, you can hear from Fairtrade farmers and workers through a collection of Climate Stories. Sign up to our upcoming Campaign Catch Up to learn more about how to get involved. 

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN CATCH UP

Thanks so much for your support and for signing the petition. Please don't forget to share with your friends and family after you sign.

Many thanks,

Sarah

Fairtrade Foundation

1. UK's £11.6bn climate finance commitment at risk as aid resources stretched - ICAI (independent.gov.uk)

2. UK leads 45 governments in new pledges to protect nature - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

3. Supermarket essentials will no longer be linked to illegal deforestation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)