Fairtrade Fortnight takes place between Monday 21st September – Sunday 4th October 2026. Fairtrade Chesham has celebrated the fortnight annually for the last 20 years. This year will be no exception, as the Fairtrade volunteers will be handing out goody bags to Met Line commuters to brighten their journey on Monday 28^th September.

Over the last 20 years, the impact of the climate emergency on farmers around the world has become more evident. Agricultural workers are the occupational group most exposed to heat stress. Across 15 major supplier countries, these workers lost an estimated 216 billion hours to heat stress in 2024. And whilst climate change is a global phenomenon, its consequences are not shared equally. Many producer communities that Fairtrade works with are facing more frequent extreme heat, flooding, reduced productivity, increased farming costs, greater uncertainty about future harvests and increased exposure to food insecurity and income instability.

Even if we only thought about ourselves, this impacts us, too. Many of the food items we take for granted are under threat; major coffee-producing countries are predicted to lose between 30% and 60% of suitable coffee-growing land by 2050. Tea-growing conditions in Kenya are expected to decline significantly, with climate change reducing areas with optimal growing conditions by approximately a quarter. Suitable banana-growing areas in Latin America and the Caribbean are projected to decline by around 60% by 2080. And extreme weather, disease pressure and production instability have already contributed to significant market disruption and rising cocoa prices.

What can the Fairtrade system do to help? Climate adaptation requires investment. Farmers may need new crop varieties, irrigation systems, shade management, soil protection measures, flood resilience, training and technical support. The guaranteed Fairtrade minimum price enables farmers to focus on their climate resilience. Fairtrade International also works with farmers and workers to build their skills and knowledge through technical support, training and information about environmental issues. Furthermore, the Fairtrade Foundation campaigns for climate and trade justice in supply chains, working with international bodies, national governments, traders and retailers to tackle the negative impact of trade practices on the environment and to be accountable for their climate commitments and environmental due diligence.

So, this Fairtrade Fortnight, could you make a swap for just one thing you buy regularly and make it Fairtrade? There are hundreds of products to choose from and it truly makes a difference. Look for the Fairtrade symbol when you shop.