UK’s Renfrewshire Council team prepares for Fairtrade Malawi challenge

CARING employees of Renfrewshire Council are about to embark on a special fairtrade challenge to help the children of Malawi.

The 90kg rice challenge is an initiative set up by Just Trading Scotland (JTS) to encourage local organisations to sell 90kg of Kilombero rice — enough money for a Malawian farmer to send one child to high school for a year.

As well as the rice challenge, JTS have developed simple threshing machines for Malawian farmers.

Most of Malawi’s small farmers produce their goods using hand tools, but these new machines will allow farmers to boost production and improve the volume and quality of the rice.

Renfrewshire Council’s leader Mark Macmillan, who chairs the Fairtrade Steering Group, got the chance to try out the machine before it is shipped off to Malawi.

“Renfrewshire Council is committed to supporting Fairtrade and promoting fairness and sustainability for farmers both at home and abroad,” said Councillor Macmillan.

“In partnership with a range of local organisations, we do our utmost to promote Fairtrade among our staff, customers and communities so that they understand the value of the campaign and the difference it makes to the lives of others so they can make informed choices about the way they shop.

“By giving farmers the world over a fairer deal, we are enabling them and their children to live fuller lives.”

Over three tonnes of fairtrade rice has been sold in Renfrewshire to date, which is enough to help over 30 children in Malawi.

To find out more about Kilombero rice call Just Trading Scotland on 0141 887 2882 or email info@jts.co.uk.