Consumers are being asked to put some Fairtrade products in their shopping trolleys as Ireland's first national Fairtrade fortnight gets under way. Fairtrade makes a difference to 120,000 producers in developing countries.
Members of the Fair Trade Labelling Organisations International have agreed common principles including no child labour, decent working conditions, the recognition of trade unions, environmental sustainability and a social premium to improve conditions.
Events this fortnight include Northern Ireland's Big Fairtrade Breakfast at Great Victoria Street station, Belfast, this morning, the introduction of Fairtrade coffee in NUI Galway on March 8th, and of Fairtrade bananas inthe Food Market, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, on March 10th.
To find out more about Fairtrade visit the Irish website at www.fair.mark.org or the British site at www.fairtrade.org.uk