South Scotland MSP 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, has praised the work of local volunteers who work tirelessly to promote Fair Trade in our region.

The local MSP attended the Dunscore Big Brew event on Saturday to see first-hand what is being done in the region to promote Fair Trade.

The event took place in Dunscore Church, with a range of stalls with both locally produced and Fairtrade products, as well as tea, coffee, soup and baking in the Glenriddell Hall.

The event normally coincides with Fairtrade fortnight in February and March. However, Fairtrade Fortnight has been moved to September (Monday 9 September – Sunday 22 September 2024) to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Fairtrade mark. The Big Brew however did coincide with Fairtrade Education Week which takes place between 4- 8 March. Dunscore Primary is one of Scotland’s leading Fairtrade schools, winning the Scottish Fairtrade Forum Award for Education in November.

Colin Smyth said: “The Big Brew event in Dunscore is a highlight of the Fair Trade year and as always, it was a fantastic opportunity to see how tirelessly local volunteers are working to promote Fair Trade in our region.

“As Chair of the Dumfries and Galloway Fairtrade Group and Convener of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Fairtrade, people know I’m passionate about Fair Trade but it’s the volunteers that ensure Dumfries and Galloway is a fairtrade region.

“The basic principles of Fair Trade—better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries and across the world—have never been more important than they are now.

“Fair Trade is also absolutely consistent with a desire to buy local.

“There are obviously many Fair Trade products that are simply not grown here, from chocolate to bananas, but also many fantastic local Fair Trade supporting shops.

“Local volunteers are the heart of the Fair Trade movement and their commitment to Fair Trade has never been more important.

“I am aware that many people are struggling due to the cost of living crisis and choosing Fair Trade might not seem like a priority, however, buying even a couple of Fair Trade products during the weekly grocery shop can make a big difference to the lives of producers across the world.”