Kenyan tea producer, Julius Ethang'atha visited the Oxfam shop in Kirkcaldy, as part of Fairtrade Fortnight. His visit to Kirkcaldy was the guest of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum. Julius is using his tour of Scotland to raise awareness around Fair Trade issues and the difference it can make to peoples lives.

The Oxfam shop in Kirkcaldy organised a tasting of Fairtrade food for local people to mark Julius's visit. Marilyn Livingstone MSP joined the Oxfam staff and volunteers to welcome Julius to the town.

Marilyn Livingstone MSP said,

" I am delighted that Julius is visiting Kirkcaldy during his time in Scotland. Many people in the town are interested in Fair Trade, and recognise how it can change lives. It is wonderful to meet someone like Julius who is directly involved in Fair Trade and hear the benefits that Fair Trade can bring to the communities in which it operates."

Julius Ethang'atha commented, "I am really pleased to be invited to the Oxfam shop in Kirkcaldy. It is really important for me to be able to tell people back in Kenya of the support we have for Fair Trade. It is good to know that people from different parts of the world are supporting what is very important to the lives of many farmers and producers ."

Right Hon Gordon Brown MP, sent a message of welcome to Julius

" I would like to wish Julius a pleasant time during his stay in Scotland. I am also pleased to support Scotland's Fair Trade Nation campaign and the work of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum in taking forward Scotland's campaign to become one of the world's first Fair Trade Nation ".

"Because of years of committed hard work by local fair trade campaigners in Kirkcaldy, Burntisland, Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath and many other communities, Scotland is now able to lead the way on fair trade through its Fair Trade Nation campaign.

The UK is the world's largest market for Fairtrade goods, and the UK Government will continue to look at its role in supporting the expansion of access to fair trade - to fair labour practices and fair wages - by producers in the Global South. I want to offer my continued support to all those who continue to campaign and promote fair trade within my constituency and I am sure the visit to Fife by Julius will have been welcomed by everyone ".

ENDS