Fairtrade is a global guarantee that the producers have been paid a fair price, received a social premium to fund developments in their community and helped to produce crops with greater respect for the environment.
Fairtrade companies work in partnership with the producers and help them negotiate better conditions.
You can find the Fairtrade mark on over 6,000 products in the UK, from coffee and tea to flowers and gold.
Portsmouth – Fairtrade city
Portsmouth achieved recognition as a Fairtrade City in March 2004. This meant we had to prove sufficient shops, cafes, restaurants, and local groups used Fairtrade products. We also had to prove we support the idea, with an effective publicity strategy.
This status is renewed every two years, with the current accreditation being renewed in 2024 when the group celebrated 20 years of Fairtrade City status and there was a renewed motion of support from the Council.
Latest update
The motion on Tuesday, 19 March, 2024 in the Portsmouth City Council meeting stated:
“The Council recognises the contribution which Fairtrade has and is making towards ending exploitation in global supply chains and thereby the endemic poverty experienced in many poorer countries. The Council wishes to maintain its status as a Fairtrade City and thanks the group of volunteers who work hard to submit regular evidence to ensure that the city maintains its Fairtrade status. The Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to using Fairtrade products at council events and as widely as possible in the Civic Offices and other public buildings which it operates. It reaffirms its intention to encourage the use of Fairtrade products throughout the city and to promote appreciation of the importance of Fairtrade.”
Fairtrade Foundation
The Fairtrade Foundation is a charity, commonly known as Fairtrade. It works with international partners to improving trading conditions for disadvantaged producers from developing counties, where local commodity markets often operate unfairly.
Fairtrade encourages retailers to buy products directly from producers at a fair price. This enables producers to pay their employees a fair wage and improve living standards for both themselves and their workers. Trade companies work in partnership with the producers and help them negotiate better conditions.
Products can be labelled as Fairtrade if they meet certain criteria set by the Fairtrade Foundation.
Find out more at the Fairtrade website. Contact them on 020 7405 5942, or at the Fairtrade Foundation, 5-7 The Loom, 14 Gower’s Walk, London, EC1N 7RJ.
Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum
The Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum works with Portsmouth City Council to promote fairtrade locally. It helped achieve and maintains the city’s Fairtrade status.
The forum organises various events, especially during Fairtrade Fortnight from late September each year. They also work with local businesses, places of worship, schools and education groups.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum website, or email vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, or call 023 9289 0989.