An Aberdeenshire town has successfully renewed its Fairtrade status for two more years, in recognition of the ongoing commitment to promote developing countries.
Stonehaven’s Fairtrade Steering Group will be promoting the initiative to more community groups and businesses in the area and taking part in campaigns such as Fairtrade Fortnight.
The fortnight is a highlight of the year, when campaigners, businesses, schools and places of worship show their support for the farmers and workers who grow our food in developing countries.
Stonehaven was first awarded Fairtrade town status in 2014.
Chairperson of Stonehaven Fairtrade Steering Group, Rachel Shanks, said: “We are delighted that Stonehaven’s Fairtrade Town status has been renewed. This is due to the number of shops, cafés and restaurants selling applicable food and drinks, workplaces providing Fairtrade options and the work done by all the town’s schools and faith groups in promoting fairly traded goods.”
Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re very pleased that Stonehaven has renewed their status and laid out clear exciting goals to take accolade further.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”
The Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies.
In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.
The Fairtrade Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide.
If you would like to get involved in the Fairtrade campaign in Stonehaven, please email Rachel Shanks at rshanks@phonecoop.coop
Fetteresso Church is holding an event on Sunday, March 5 between 10am and 1pm. Fairtrade fortnight ends on Sunday, March 12.
