THIS year marks the 10th anniversary of Wales as a Fairtrade nation, and one town in mid Wales will soon be buzzing with activities to promote the principles of the campaign.

For two weeks from Monday, 26 February, Newcastle Emlyn will deliver a number of events to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, as Jill Sutton, founding member of the Newcastle Emlyn Fairtrade Group and owner of the Fair and Fabulous shop explained.

“Fairtrade Fortnight is an action-packed annual event to show support for the people who grow our food in developing countries,” she said.

“When trade is fair it can improve the lives of the producers and make the world a better place.”

Fairtrade producers, which are often social enterprises or women’s groups, sign up to principles which include paying a fair wage, no child labour, ensuring good working conditions and respect for the environment. Their products include over 1,000 producer organisations worldwide who take part in the Fairtrade system.

Over and above the Fairtrade price, the Fairtrade Premium is an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions of the producers’ communities - described by Jill as a “double whammy”.

“This year’s theme is ‘Come on in to Fairtrade’,” added Jill.

“We want people to try Fairtrade products like coffee and tea and, in doing so, support trade justice as well as helping the communities where the products are made.”

Fairtrade events in Newcastle Emlyn start with the opening of a Fairtrade display in Fair and Fabulous on Monday, 26 February.

Other activities include a Fairtrade pub quiz at The Pelican Inn (Thursday, 1 March at 7.30pm), a Local, Organic and Fairtrade (LOAF) produce market in the Mart Car Park with Fairtrade promotional stall on Friday, 2 March (8.30am to 12.30pm), and the Teifiside Plastic Free Community litter pick and Fairtrade kids’ games starting at Winnie’s at Number 11 take place on Saturday, 3 March at 10am.

On Monday, 5 March, Newcastle Emlyn Girl Guides host a ‘Come on In’ evening for friends and family at Holy Trinity Church Community Hall, and on Saturday, 10 March (all day), there’s a ‘Come on In’ for local businesses, when shops and cafes invite customers to try Fairtrade treats.

You can find more information about the Fairtrade activities in Newcastle Emlyn on the group’s Facebook page or by ringing Fair and Fabulous on 01239 712835.

See this week’s south papers to read the full feature, available in shops and as a digital edition now