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It’s Fairtrade Fortnight: Time to choose the world you want!

For two weeks each year, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid. Fairtrade is about social, economic and environmental justice.

Fairtrade Fortnight will return globally and at BU from 21 February to 6 March. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us more than ever how interconnected we are globally. This interconnection is at the very heart of the Fairtrade message and is where your role begins.

Of course, Fairtrade exists beyond Fairtrade Fortnight so do look out for regular Fairtrade sales, promotions, campaigns and offers at BU outlets and via the . We are all part of the Fairtrade movement, with the power to drive long-term change, not only with your shopping choices but with getting involved in, to support farmers to receive a fair wage and protection from the climate crisis.

What’s on at BU?

We have a host of events for you to get involved with at Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ, as well as discounts and even free Fairtrade items at some of our outlets. The Fairtrade Foundation is also hosting events and activities .

Creating our Ideal World with Faith & Reflection, Poole House foyer, 11am–2pm, Wednesday 23 February and 11am–2pm, Thursday 3 March

This year's Fairtrade Fortnight theme is ‘Choose the World You Want’ – come and share what your ideal world looks like and how we could start creating it at BU.

SUBU Divine Chocolate Tasting, outside SUBU shop, Poole House, 11am–1pm, Thursday 24 February

Join our Climate Action Student Team who will be talking all about Fairtrade and ethical trade, and sharing some tasty Fairtrade bars of Divine Chocolate!

Meet the farmers: Bismark Kpabitey, online, 4pm–5pm, Monday 28 February

Bismark Kpabitey is a cocoa farmer from the Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union in Ghana. His parents and grandparents were cocoa farmers, so he grew up learning about cocoa. 

After his university studies he returned to farming and is also now a lead trainer for dynamic agroforestry under the alliances for Sankofa project. These are innovative forestry management practices that support farmers to adapt to the problems of climate change. 

Find out more and register on

Digital consumer activism: What is it and how can I act?, online, 6pm–7:30pm, Monday 28 February

Can digital activism bring about social and economic change beyond ‘clicktivism’? How can social movements and Fairtrade activists harness the power of social media to influence the market and promote more responsible forms of consumption? Join BU’s own Dr Roberta Discetti and Joanna Pollard, chair of the National Campaigner Committee at the Fairtrade Foundation, to find out answers to these and how you can be an effective digital and consumer activist.

Find out more and register on

SUBU ethical trade bake sale, Student Centre, Talbot Campus, 12pm–2pm, Wednesday 2 March

Our Baking Society and Climate Action Student Team will be selling tasty cakes and snacks made from Fairtrade and/or ethical trade ingredients to raise money for the Fairtrade Foundation.

Fairtrade social kitchen with Chartwells, Fusion Building kitchen, 4:45pm–7pm, Wednesday 2 March

Join this free cookery and bakery lesson where you’ll be learning some great baking tips from our Head Chef John and use Fairtrade ingredients to make some tasty treats! Spaces fill quickly so find out more and sign up soon via the UniFoodHub app.

Take part in our survey!

Share your thoughts and ideas about Fairtrade for a chance to win a Fairtrade hamper! Keep your eyes out on to find out more. 

If you want to get more involved in campaigning for Fairtrade at BU, then join our Fairtrade Steering Group. This group plans our events, outreach and coordinates our Fairtrade Award submission. To find out more, email [email protected]