Here are just five of the things we achieved together this year:
1. Tackling President Obama on US cotton subsidies – with a giant cotton bud!
When President Obama came to the UK in May on a state visit, Traidcraft was there every step of the way to call on him to nip US cotton subsidies in the bud.
We protested outside the Foreign Office with the Fairtrade Foundation calling on William Hague to raise the issue of damaging US cotton subsidies with the President. And hundreds of you sent your own messages to the Foreign Secretary too!
2. Shining a spotlight on the global trade in raw materials.
Hundreds of you sent postcards to your Members of the European Parliament, calling for a fair and sustainable approach to raw materials that puts the needs of poor countries ahead of the demands of big business.
An updated communication from the European Commission on raw materials includes some positive changes that reflect the pressure that civil society has put on the EU.
In a speech by EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, he acknowledged criticisms on this issue and the ‘need to address development needs… and respond to the environmental aspects that arise out of production and trade of raw materials’.
3. Edward Davey receives over 5,500 cotton campaign postcards.
In a letter to Traidcraft’s Chief Executive Paul Chandler, Edward Davey MP (the minister for world trade issues) thanked campaigners for raising the issue of US cotton subsidies, after receiving a ‘large number of postcards’.
He also stated that the ‘UK Government shares your concern, and has consistently been at the forefront of those pressing for the reform of cotton subsidies’.
4. Real progress towards a supermarkets watchdog.
After campaigning by Traidcraft supporters, 2011 saw the government release a parliamentary bill that would set up the Grocery Code Adjudicator.
Despite attempts by supermarkets to delay the legislation, MPs called for tougher powers for the body including the ability to fine supermarkets that breach the Groceries Code.
This is real progress towards a fairer deal for the people who pick, pack and grow our food.
5. Father Christmas delivers a petition signed by thousands of Traidcraft, Fairtrade Foundation and People Tree supporters to the US Embassy.
Our petition for cotton justice was launched in style after hundreds of people at Greenbelt festival took action and signed up to support the cotton campaign.
Ahead of the WTO ministerial in December, Father Christmas helped us hand in the petition to the US Embassy.
When questioned about his involvement in the campaign, Father Christmas commented:
I am able to deliver presents all around the world in one night – it's time for the US to deliver for the world’s poor cotton farmers by putting an end to these damaging and unfair subsidies.
A big thank you for you all your support this year – we look forward to working with you in 2012!
