Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has met with a Malawian smallholder farmer to discuss ways in which we can tackle food security in developing countries and promote ethical trade around the world.

Gavin Newlands MP, Patrick Grady MP, Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Richard Arkless MP with Kenneth Mwakasangula and James Johnstone.
Gavin Newlands MP, Patrick Grady MP, Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Richard Arkless MP with Kenneth Mwakasangula and James Johnstone.

Gavin met with Kenneth Mwakasangula, a Malawian smallholder farmer, along with Just Trading Scotland to find out how fairtrade can rectify injustices in some of the poorest countries in the world.

Just Trading Scotland is a fair trade organisation, set-up to facilitate the import and distribution of fairly traded products to the UK. They are based in Paisley, and were at Parliament to raise awareness of Kilombero rice, grown by small farmers in northern Malawi, which has recently been stocked by Co-op branches across Scotland.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“I was delighted to meet with Kenneth Mwakasangula and James Johnstone, Community Engagement Officer from Just Trading Scotland to find out more about their work to tackle food security in developing countries and promote ethical trade around the world.

“Fairtrade is one of the most effective ways that we can resolve the injustices of the world. It can help develop the skills of local farmers which will can help lift communities out of poverty.

“It is fantastic that the Co-op have agreed to stock Kilombero rice which is grown by local farmers in northern Malawi. Customers who choose to buy Kilombero rice can be confident that they are buying a quality product and that the farmer is getting a fair price for their produce.”