We are reaffirming our long-standing commitment to Fairtrade as Fairtrade Fortnight gets underway from Monday 21 September to Sunday 4 October.
Devon was first awarded Fairtrade County status in 2008, and we have successfully renewed that status ever since.
Earlier this year, our Full Council renewed its commitment to supporting Fairtrade in Devon, across the UK and around the world, helping to put dignity, sustainability and fair pay at the heart of global trade.
Fairtrade Fortnight is a great opportunity to remind everyone of that commitment. With this year’s theme of fair pay we are reminded of the lives of the farmers and workers who rely on us to pay a fair price for the products we love to buy.
The message is clear, Do it – for People, for Planet and for Fair Pay.
We work with Fairtrade Devon and Devon Development Education to promote the benefits of Fairtrade and encourage individuals, communities, organisations and companies to act in support of Fairtrade.
We have a role in promoting fair and ethical trading and Fairtrade is a natural extension of that support.
In our work we:
- look for innovative opportunities to promote the principles and values of Fairtrade
- deepen people’s understanding of what Fairtrade does and why it is so important
- support a countywide movement of Fairtrade towns and volunteers
- use Fairtrade products.
To support our Fairtrade priorities, we provide Fairtrade drinks at Council meetings and sell Fairtrade products in our staff café at County Hall. We also include Fairtrade in relevant procurement contracts and work with partners to raise awareness of fair and ethical trade.
Councillor Graham Bell, Devon County Council’s spokesperson on Fairtrade said:
“For almost two decades Devon has been committed to the Fairtrade Foundation to ensure that our beliefs in equality and opportunity are not only expressed in the way that we work in Devon but are also promoted across the world.
“Fairtrade Fortnight is a great opportunity to promote the Fairtrade organisation and to highlight the impact of our day-to-day purchasing choices.
“By buying Fairtrade tea, bananas, coffee, and wine, I know that the product in my basket has been produced ethically and is helping farmers strengthen their communities and workers build sustainable livelihoods.”
What you can do
A small step taken here in the UK can make a big difference to the lives of farmers and workers around the world. Start your Fairtrade journey:
- swap a regular product for a Fairtrade one
- ask your local shop to increase their Fairtrade range
- talk to others about the benefits of Fairtrade
🔗Find out more about the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign on the national website,
🔗Visit Devon County Council’s information page
📧 Get in touch by emailing fairtrade@devon.gov.uk if you would like to share any Fairtrade stories.