Fairtrade fortnight: 25 Feb – 9 March

Just a reminder that 25th February – 9th March is Fairtrade Fortnight.  Bedford has many traders who offer fairtrade products.  Look out for the fairtrade sign to support many of the world’s producers who are still finding it very hard to make a living from their produce. Slow Food’s Foundation for Biodiversity is a supporter of producers worldwide.

Buying produce where you see the fairtrade sign or switching from your normal produce to Fairtrade maybe just a small change but it can make a big difference to those producers who strive to make a daily living from their produce. The attachment below details some great events going on in Bedford during Fairtrade Fortnight supported by The Bedford Borough Council.  And Bedford’s Thursday Gourmet Market has a regular fairtrade stall.

Details: Fairtrade fortnight events

Edible Ornamentals

Joanna Plumb from Edible Ornamentals was featured on the BBC business show Working Lunch (scroll to the ‘Hot Business’ story, halfway down page).

Her business was originally based at her family home at The Villa Nurseries where we had a fantastic event on 1 September. You may have seen her stall at local markets, such as the Christmas Castle Road event organised by buy-local.net.

Bedfordshire Festival of Food

Shuttleworth House is hosting a new event. On 5 & 6 April Bedfordshire Festival of Food aims to display anything and everything connected with food. It is an opportunity for local traders and artisans to promote their businesses. There will also be cooking demonstrations. The event is sponsored by Sainsburys and supported by Tastes of Bedfordshire and Discover Bedfordshire.

SFB will have a stall to promote ’slow food’ and the SFB Project 2008.
Details: Bedfordshire Festival of Food

Zero Castle Carbon film night

SFB have built links with Zero Castle Carbon.  This group looks at ways to reduce Castle Road’s carbon footprints – for residents and businesses.  ‘Castle Road’ is a popular area in Bedford, with a good selection of independent local shops, including many food stores.  The Devonshire Arms, where we hold many SFB events, is in the Castle Road area.

Tonight is another in ZCC’s series of environmental film evenings, with SFB refreshments. 

Details: ZCC film

Luton beer festival

This week (14-16 February) is the annual Luton Beer Festival.  As well as interesting beers, there will also be cider and perry.  And musical entertainment.

Details: 23rd Luton Beer festival

International film festival

Slow Food and Cineteca di Bologna are promoting an international festival of cinema and food.  The festival aims to promote awareness of food-related issues.  It will be held in Bologna between 7-11 May.  If you are plan to go to the Festival, please could you let the Newsletter Editor know.