South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has backed a Crowdfunder appeal launched by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, which aims to support Fair Trade suppliers in the south of Scotland and the Fair Trade producers they buy from.

Colin Smyth, who is chairman of the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Fairtrade Steering Group, as well as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on Fair Trade, is urging local people to make any contribution they can, no matter how small, to make a real difference in keeping Fair Trade shops and suppliers alive in our communities.

Colin Smyth said: “I am more than happy to support this Crowdfunding appeal from the Scottish Fairtrade Forum.

“Many of our Fair Trade suppliers across the south of Scotland are finding that their very existence is being tested by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. As the Forum says, the backbone of the Fair Trade movement is our fantastic network of suppliers who stock a huge collection of goods for us all to enjoy.

“As global supply chains are disrupted and markets start to disappear with the ongoing crisis, the commitment to Fair Trade has never been more important.

“I am aware that many individuals and organisations are struggling during this terrible time and as lockdown measures are slowly eased, it will take a long time for people to recover financially. However, if anyone in the south of Scotland has anything to spare, I would urge them to support this campaign, which will ultimately make a big difference to the lives of Fair Trade producers across the world.”