PR91982

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Consumers invited to show solidarity with farmers by signing a petition

urging governments to act NOW

An open letter sent on behalf of 1.8 million Fairtrade producers worldwide,

ahead of COP26, urges world leaders to keep their promise to provide $100

billion in annual finance to low-income nations disproportionately hit by the

climate crisis.

Photo -

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The letter criticizes rich nations most responsible for climate change for not

honoring their pledges to cut their emissions and adequately support farmers

suffering the worst effects of climate breakdown.

Signed by representatives of Fairtrade producer networks in Africa, Asia, Latin

America and the Caribbean, the letter warns governments that their lack of

action is threatening farmers' livelihoods and global food supplies.

Titled 'Be fair with your climate promise,' it says:  "We grow the food eaten

by people all around the world... But our ability to do so has been badly

damaged by the reckless harm done to our environment from years of broken

promises concerning the climate crisis.

"You promised to cut the emissions that drive extreme weather, which dry up our

fields one day and flood them the next. But emissions are increasing

dangerously, while your ambition remains too low. You promised to provide

climate finance, to help us keep growing food despite the changing weather. But

next to nothing is reaching us."

Eighty percent of the world's food comes from 500 million family farms. Farmers

in climate-vulnerable countries are already using their expertise to deliver

climate solutions, but it is not enough: financial support is critical, they

say.

The letter also urges governments to strengthen business rules on environmental

protection and to promote fair, low-carbon trade deals.

A delegation of Fairtrade farmers will attend the COP26 summit in Glasgow,

Scotland, this November to deliver the letter in person.

Fairtrade is mobilizing ethical shoppers to support the farmers' call for

action by signing a global petition, available on its digital campaign hub (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3305333-1&h=407797929&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffairtrade.org.uk%2Fbe-fair&a=digital+campaign%C2%A0hub

).

Fairtrade's Be Fair With Your Climate Promise campaign is a critical call for

action at a time when systemic change in trade is not happening quickly enough.

About Fairtrade

Fairtrade is committed to fighting the climate crisis, through its programs,

training and Standards, which encourage producers to protect the environment.

Visit www.fairtrade.net.

Media Contact:

fairtradeamerica@schroderhaus.com

+1 224-545-7699

SOURCE  Fairtrade International