2023 was another busy and inspiring year for the Gosport Fairtrade Action (GFA) group. From local events to national campaigns, we worked alongside our community, schools, and local government to promote Fairtrade and climate justice. Here’s a look back at what we achieved together.
Fairtrade Fortnight (27 February – 12 March)
We kicked off the year with a packed programme for Fairtrade Fortnight. Gosport’s events were even featured nationally, as the Fairtrade Foundation invited us to share our work during an online meeting. This was followed by an illustrated report and a video of our Chair, Mark Smith, speaking about our activities.
Our message: Choose Fairtrade now and help save our favourite foods
Climate change is making it harder to grow foods like coffee, cocoa and bananas. Farmers face floods, droughts, and disease, often without the financial security to adapt. Fairtrade provides:
- A guaranteed minimum price
- The Fairtrade Premium to support communities
- Co-operative support and training
- Guidance in sustainable farming and business management
Fairtrade Ambassador Deborah, a cocoa farmer from Ghana, called on consumers and leaders alike to act now to “save food and save the future.”
Local highlights:
- Quiz Night (25 Feb) – At Elson Community Library and Hub, featuring a Fairtrade round.
- Displays (27 Feb – 13 Mar) – Across Gosport, including the Discovery Centre, Elson Library, and Town Hall.
- Talks & Tastings (3–7 Mar) – From sewing groups learning about Fairtrade cotton to the Senior Moments Club sampling Fairtrade coffee and chocolate.
- Fairtrade Tea Party (3 Mar) – Hosted by the Mayor in the Council Chamber, with Dame Caroline Dinenage MP as guest speaker. Guests enjoyed Fairtrade refreshments, a quiz, a raffle, and a presentation on how Fairtrade helps farmers adapt to climate change.
- Information Stall (9 Mar) – At the Co-op Food Store in Privett Road, with chocolate tastings and displays about endangered foods.
- Alverstoke C of E Junior School (10 Mar) – Hosted a Fairtrade Afternoon Tea and Art Exhibition, featuring student artwork, Fairtrade superheroes, and even a smoothie bike powered by children!
Great Big Green Week (10–18 June)
For Great Big Green Week, GFA set up a display in Gosport Discovery Centre (8–19 June). It highlighted local green initiatives and encouraged people to sign the Community Declaration of Solidarity with Fairtrade Farmers impacted by climate change.
- Visitors could sign in person or via a QR code linking to the Fairtrade Foundation website.
- Gosport organisations including Repair Café and Greening Leesland signed.
- By mid-June, 29 people from Gosport had signed online.
The display also shared posters, leaflets, and videos showing how Fairtrade farmers are responding to climate challenges.
Renewing Gosport’s Fairtrade Status (23 August)
We proudly renewed Gosport’s status as a Fairtrade Borough, reflecting ongoing support from the community and local council.
Make Polluters Pay Day of Action (23 September)
GFA joined a rally in Portsmouth as part of the Make Polluters Pay campaign. Alongside 24 other groups, we called on the UK Government to deliver on promises made at COP27 and properly fund the Loss and Damage Fund.
- The demand: Funding must be new (not cut from overseas aid) and come from taxing oil companies’ record profits.
- A joint letter was sent to local MPs urging action.
Alverstoke Michaelmas Fair (30 September)
GFA members supported the Help Palestine stall, selling Fairtrade products including olive oil, dates, soaps, olive wood carvings, and hand-painted ceramics.
Our coordinator Sarah, who is also part of the Help Palestine Community Co-operative Ltd., explained the stall’s mission to the Mayor. Founded by Rachel Nassif, the co-operative provides a market for Palestinian businesses and is run entirely by volunteers.
Presentation of Renewed Fairtrade Community Certificate (18 October)
At a special ceremony, GFA Chair Mark Smith presented the renewed Fairtrade Community Certificate to the Mayor of Gosport, Martin Pepper.
Mark highlighted the steps taken by both GFA and the Council to earn the certificate and suggested ideas for further collaboration.
Looking Back
From schools and community hubs to town halls and national platforms, 2023 showed how much Gosport cares about Fairtrade and climate justice.
Through events, rallies, and conversations, we’ve kept the message clear:
Fairtrade matters. Climate action matters. And together, we can make a difference.