£1.86 is the amount a cocoa farmer in West Africa needs to earn each day in order to achieve a living income. Currently, a typical cocoa farmer in Cote d’Ivoire lives on around 74p a day. Almost all cocoa farmers in West Africa live in poverty.
Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South recently met with local Fairtrade activists in his constituency office to hear more about this battle for justice. Following the meeting, the MP raised the pressing matter in parliament with a series of written questions and is hosting an event in Fairtrade Fortnight to raise awareness in the city
Mr. Morgan has said:
“The fact that this campaign is running alongside international women’s day is key. Like many contemporary issues, women are disproportionally affected by unjust pay in West Africa.
That is why it is key we secure a living wage for the farmers who produce our favourite snacks.”
Mr. Morgan is hosting a Fairtrade coffee morning on Friday 8 March to raise awareness for the campaign and gather local momentum for the cause.
The coffee morning is open to members of the public and will take place between 10:00 and 12:00 in his constituency office at 72 Albert Road, Southsea. The event is free and anyone is welcome to attend.
On the coffee morning, Mr. Morgan has said:
“I would encourage constituents to take part by buying Fairtrade products, not many problems can be solved by eating chocolate, I am glad that this one can.
If you care about equality, fair wages and the fight against poverty, then this is something to get involved in.”
The Fairtrade coffee morning will be attended by representatives from the local Fairtrade Forum and stakeholders within the constituency. It will be a chance for organisations to learn about how they can do their bit and what the trajectory of the campaign is.
The Portsmouth born MP has made efforts to ensure that this cause has a voice in Parliament.
Last week, he asked the minister for trade what steps his department was taking to support the campaign and Mr. Morgan will be attending an event in Westminster hosted by the Fairtrade Foundation on February 27.
