Every swap to Fairtrade items can make a difference

Richmond upon Thames, a proud Fairtrade borough, is celebrating 30 years of the Fairtrade movement in the UK. The Council has approved a motion to promote Fairtrade goods in its procurement processes and encourages local residents to support Fairtrade.

Fairtrade Fortnight took place from 9 to 22 September - it was a great opportunity to learn about and be inspired by the people behind the food we eat and use.

As a Fairtrade borough, we are committed to selling, serving, using, and promoting Fairtrade products. Our Fairtrade Steering Group consists of present councillors and others of differing political parties, who aim to uphold this commitment. As the Chair of this group, I am dedicated to ensuring that our initiatives are impactful and that we continue to support Fairtrade principles in every way possible.

In the latest Council meeting, a motion has been approved: By encouraging its partners to buy Fairtrade goods and, where possible, in its own procurement processes, this Council actively promotes the purchase of Fairtrade goods within the borough and commends the efforts of local residents in supporting Fairtrade and contributing towards London being a Fairtrade city.

Why Fairtrade matters

Fairtrade supports farmers and producers in low-income countries. The guaranteed minimum price and Fairtrade premium that Fairtrade farmers receive allow them to invest in business and community projects of their choice. These can include health and education.

By buying Fairtrade-approved products we are ensuring decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the less developed countries of the world. 

Join the movement

Many of the products we buy and use every day are not grown in this country, for example bananas, coffee, and tea. These Fairtrade products can be bought from most main supermarkets. Look for the Fairtrade Mark in your next shopping and make a change to one Fairtrade item.

This small change can make a big difference in the lives of those who produce Fairtrade goods. It also helps the producers to keep the products we love on the shelves in our shops. 

Beyond ensuring fair prices and premiums, Fairtrade empowers farmers to discover innovative ways to support their crops and build resilience in their communities, ensuring a sustainable future for all. Fairtrade producers care about climate change. It directly affects them and will impact us if the goods we love are no longer able to be grown.

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