ONCE upon a time if you mentioned fair trade it just meant tea and coffee, but things have moved on. Now there are 1500 fair trade products available in the UK, ranging from cereal, chocolate, wine, baby food, cotton clothing and homeware, some of which

ONCE upon a time if you mentioned fair trade it just meant tea and coffee, but things have moved on.

Now there are 1500 fair trade products available in the UK, ranging from cereal, chocolate, wine, baby food, cotton clothing and homeware, some of which are available in our own local shops.

Buying fair trade products ensures that some 800,000 farmers and producers worldwide receive a decent regular income.

Fairtrade also encourages good employment practices and improvements in local living conditions.

This year, Fairtrade Fortnight is February 26 to March 11 and the theme is "change today, choose fairtrade".

As part of this nationwide event, members from local churches have organised an information stall, which will be outside Tesco in Saffron Walden on Saturday, March 3 between 10am and noon.

For more information about the Fairtrade Foundation check out the site www.fairtrade.org.uk or call 020 7405 5942.

Alison Jiggins

Abbey Lane Untied Reformed Church

Saffron Walden