Talking Fairtrade with the Young Co-operators Network #ChooseFairtrade

Now into our second-week celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight, today we catch up with Young Co-operator Anna O’Leary who answers a few questions for us about how Fairtrade is linked to Young People.

Hi Anna, what’s your role within the Society?

My role within the Society is Governance Assistant. I have worked for Midcounties for 2 years and I assist and support the Society’s Secretary with responsibility for the governance aspects of the AGM, Half Yearly Meetings, the annual Board and MEC elections and other various Board related items.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family, friends and taking my dog Paddy on long country walks! Since Covid-19, I decided to learn to cross-stitch in my spare time.

 

As a Young Co-operator, what do you think about Fairtrade?

I think Fairtrade is integral to the world’s trading development as it helps to level up the global playing field. More businesses need to become more ‘Fairtrade minded’. We as a Co-operative are already accredited with the Fair Tax Mark and having supported Fairtrade for so many years, you can see the difference it has made to the workers abroad harvesting & making the produce.

 

As a Co-operative prided on Fairtrade over the last 25 Years, how do young people now picture the changing movements in society?

The world today is more connected than ever and campaigning by the likes of David Attenborough has highlighted to people how their own consumer behaviour has an impact on the whole world. I think society will start to move away from environmentally damaging produce, e.g., Beef & Palm oil and move towards more locally grown and sustainable produce. This is where Fairtrade fits into the changing behaviours of many young people today.

 

It’s Fairtrade Fortnight, will you be making a pledge for Fairtrade?

I will be making a pledge for Fairtrade. Chocolate is always the first on our shopping list so this would be an easy swap to buy Fairtrade chocolate instead. The Fairtrade premium that farmers will receive due to me buying this will go towards activities to counteract climate change such as tree planting locally.

 

This year the theme is on Climate Change, do you think it will help raise the issue with younger people in year where we also welcome the Cop26 (UN Climate Change Conference) to the UK?

This theme alongside the Cop26, which I believe will be a landmark event in the fight against climate change, will encourage more young people to become attuned to the significance of climate change. Greta Thunberg has already played a pivotal role as an environmental activist challenging global leaders to take immediate action against climate change and I feel her influence will help younger people make their voice heard at the COP26.

 

Did you know that the Fairtrade Foundation also has a ‘Youth for Fairtrade’ campaign?

No, I did not know about this, however, I have looked into this and the group shapes the way Fairtrade is driven across the movement.  A key area topic that matters to young people.

 

Finally, as a Fairtrade convert(hopefully), what’s your swap for Fairtrade?

Now being a BIG chocolate lover, I have to say Fairtrade chocolate is on par with the likes of Galaxy and Dairy Milk! With Easter approaching, I will be swapping my usual galaxy easter egg for a Fairtrade egg.

 

Aged 16-30 and interested in joining the Young Co-operators Network?

Why not join our Facebook page here.

For any questions or queries comment below or email us at YCN@midcounties.coop. We hope to hear from you soon!

#Choose Fairtrade - for more Fairtrade information including our Thumbs Up for Fairtrade competition, see here.