Go Bananas for Fairtrade

From the 12th-14th May, Fairtrade supporters all across the globe will join Kiwis in the World Fairtrade Challenge - a series of events celebrating Fairtrade farmers and workers getting a fairer deal.

In New Zealand, Fairtrade is encouraging Kiwis to bananas by heading to www.fairtradechallenge.org.nz, to sign themselves up for an event or challenge with an aim to raise awareness on issues faced by banana farmers and workers on a daily basis.

“From unpredictable weather patterns and diseased crop to increasing costs of production, we are seeing more smallholder farmers and banana workers struggling to sustain themselves and their families,” says Molly Harriss Olson, CEO of Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand.

“Through this campaign, we’re aiming to show people how big an impact their spending habits can have, and the importance of using our power as consumers for good.”

“People often feel they have little influence in worldwide issues such as poverty, but when it comes to retail products, consumers have all the power, and we want them to use that power to end unfair trade through awareness and support for Fairtrade,” adds Ms Harriss Olson.

Fairtrade supports banana farmers and workers by promoting bio-diversity and helping them to access technical knowledge and funds, which they can use to successfully adapt to challenges such as pest & disease control, issues which they have seen worsen due to climate changes.

Through the use of the Fairtrade Premium (the extra money given in addition to the fair price when selling bananas on Fairtrade terms) farmers and workers are also able to invest in community education, new plants and transportation.

Throughout the challenge, Fairtrade banana lovers are encouraged to share what they love about, and how they celebrate Fairtrade in different ways using the hashtags #fairtradechallenge and #bananasmile.

Fairtrade New Zealand is also giving Kiwis the chance to win lots of quirky banana prize packs through their own Facebook page.

Join in on the celebration by whipping up this amazing Fairtrade banana recipes from All Good Bananas:

ALL GOOD BANANA CREAM PIE

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

½ cup Fairtrade sugar

¼ cup cornflour

¼ tsp coarse salt

4 large egg yolks

2 cups whole milk

100g butter

1 packet wine biscuits

5 Fairtrade Certified All Good bananas, mashed

1 ½ cups heavy cream

2 tsp castor sugar

Recipe

1. Make the base: Process one packet of wine biscuits and 100g butter. Pack mixture into base and sides of cake tin.

2. Make the filling: Combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Add egg yolks, and whisk until smooth. Bring milk to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of milk to yolk mixture in a slow steady stream, whisking continuously. Pour mixture into pan with hot milk and cook, whisking constantly until mixture begins to bubble and is a thick custard.

3. Pour custard through a large mesh sieve into a bowl. Fold in mashed bananas. Pour onto base. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for two hours.

4. Make the topping: Beat together the cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over filling. Using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon, shape topping into peaks.

5. Using a vegetable peeler, shave chocolate at a 45 degree angle and scatter over pie before serving.

For more information on the World Fairtrade Challenge and inspiring event ideas visit www.fairtradechallenge.org.nz

ENDS

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