Devon is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Fairtrade as Fairtrade Fortnight runs from Monday 21 September to Sunday 4 October.
The county was first awarded Fairtrade County status in 2008 and has renewed that status ever since. Earlier this year, 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 an opportunity to remind everyone of that commitment. This year's theme is fair pay, highlighting the lives of the farmers and workers who rely on a fair price for the products we buy. The message is clear: do it for people, for planet and for fair pay.
Devon County Council works 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 it. The council promotes fair and ethical trading, and Fairtrade is a natural extension of that support. To support its Fairtrade priorities, the council provides Fairtrade drinks at meetings, sells Fairtrade products in its staff café at County Hall, includes Fairtrade in relevant procurement contracts, and works 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."
A small step taken in the UK can make a big difference to the lives of farmers and workers around the world. To start your Fairtrade journey, find out more about the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign on the national website, visit Devon County Council's information page, email [email protected] to share your Fairtrade stories, or [follow Fairtrade Foundation on Facebook](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFairtradeFoundation&data=05%7C02%7Calison.stockton%40devon.gov.uk%7Cdc0aa7fe488947a9fe5c08df17d690aa%7C8da13783cb68443fbb4b997f77fd5bfb%7C0%7C0%7C639255882452328154%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydW
Devon Reaffirms Fairtrade Commitment as Fortnight Begins