Borders MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, Michael Moore, is encouraging his constituents to support this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 23 February to 8 March.

Mr Moore is a long-standing supporter of the Fairtrade scheme, which ensures that producers such as farmers in developing countries are paid a minimum guaranteed price for their goods to ensure sustainability. In return, the producers agree to a set of standards relating to social, economic and environmental development.Michael Moore MP

Last year Mr Moore called upon the Government to ensure that Fairtrade products are available within their own departments, and he has been pushing for the inclusion of the goods at the 2012 Olympics. He is now backing the efforts of the Fairtrade Foundation in promoting Fairtrade Fortnight.

Commenting, he said:

“I am pleased to give my backing once again to Fairtrade Fortnight and I would encourage all of my constituents to consider supporting the scheme. There are a number of ways in which people can show their support, including signing up to take part in the world’s biggest banana-eating contest, taking part in a ‘trade debate’, or buying Fairtrade olive oil from Palestine which is on sale in supermarkets throughout the fortnight.”

For further information on Fairtrade products and how to support Fairtrade Fortnight visit http://www.fairtrade.org.uk.