Maria Genao speaking at Rathfarnham. Photo: Fiona Murdoch.
Fairtrade still vital, Friends hear
A banana farmer from the Dominican Republic spoke to Irish Friends on the importance of Fairtrade
Buying Fairtrade makes a huge difference, Dominican Republic banana farmer Maria Genao told Irish Friends recently.
Maria visited Rathfarnham Meeting during Fairtrade Fortnight, as part of a speaking tour of Ireland. She told Friends about the impact of Fairtrade on small producers, saying: ‘It ensures our work as producers by protecting the market throughout the year, by helping us in many ways to keep growing and by being there through tough times when we are in need.’
Maria explained that the premium Fairtrade farmers receive gives them stability during fluctuations in the market, enables communities to put money into health and education and allows farmers to live with dignity. It has also allowed Maria to set up a handcraft business, which sees local women and young people making baskets and tablecloths from banana fibres.
The visit was organised by Rathfarnham Meeting’s Eco Committee as part of their ‘Be the Change’ series of eco discussions and events to encourage Friends to adopt a more eco-friendly approach to their lives – as individuals and as a Meeting. Thirty adults – from a number of Meetings – listened to Maria after Meeting for Worship. She also spoke to the children during Junior Meeting.
