World class speakers confirmed for International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Bristol

On the 4th and 5th of July, Bristol will host the 9th International Fair Trade Towns Conference. Focusing on the strong relationship between Fair Trade and the green agenda, this two-day event will welcome several well-known speakers including Harriet Lamb (CEO Fairtrade International) and Eliza Anyangwe (The Guardian).

The collection of inspiring talks and workshops will provide new insights into how Fair Trade works to protect the environment. This will include details on the support provided to farmers to enable them to adapt to the effects of climate change and develop sustainable farming methods, as well as analysis of the post-2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Also joining the jam-packed programme is Greg Valerio, leading pioneer in Fair Trade Jewellery, who will talk alongside a Fairtrade gold producer from Africa about how Fairtrade is working to improve conditions and eliminate the use of poisonous mercury and cyanide in Gold production. The importance of Fair Trade in business will be explored by Louise Nicholls from Marks and Spencer, and Helen Browning from Soil Association will be hosting a workshop on how the Organic, Fair Trade and local food movements can work better together

The Conference is a major event in the Bristol Green Capital 2015 programme. Harriet Lamb said “It is fitting that as Bristol shows off its green credentials, Fairtrade campaigners from across the world will be in the City for the Fairtrade Towns conference in July. I am sure that they will be inspired by all that Bristol has achieved, and I know how much the commitment of cities like Bristol mean to the producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America.”

Bristol and South West Fairtrade Coordinator, Jenny Foster, says: “We’re very excited to be welcoming up to 400 delegates from more than 20 countries, so want to provide a programme of fascinating and informative talks and workshops. We’ll also be celebrating together with a Make Sunday Special and Fair Festival and a FareShare banquet and barn dance!”

Further information: www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk/#!2015-conference/c1i05