Fair Trade Blackpool

Fair Trade Blackpool was one of the objectives of Blackpool Fairness Commission.

Blackpool Fairness Commission was launched way back in 2012. It’s aim is to actively promote fairness to consumers, businesses and community groups in the area. There’s a particular focus on activities for communities which are home to people who are less privileged than others.

Blackpool Renews Fairtrade Status

Blackpool has successfully renewed Fairtrade Town status for two years, following its ongoing commitment to promoting Fairtrade principles.

The town was first awarded Fairtrade status in 2017 in recognition of the strong support for Fairtrade within Blackpool and the achievement of five qualifying goals, such as a wide availability of Fairtrade products in local shops and catering outlets, high levels of support from local people, businesses, the council, faith groups and schools.

Cllr Maria Kirkland, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Fairness Commission, said: “Achieving Fairtrade status once again is excellent news for Blackpool and it’s thanks to all the hard work and commitment of everyone involved who have helped to make it happen.

Something we can all take part in

“Fairtrade is something we can all take part in. People can make a big difference to the lives of farmers and workers around the world whether it’s through talking to others about the benefits of Fairtrade or swapping a regular product for a Fairtrade one.”

Layton ward councillor Martin Mitchell proposed the original motion for Blackpool to become a Fairtrade town and was the council’s representative on the Steering Committee throughout.

Cllr Mitchell added: “Fairtrade allows people, government and companies to choose whether to help food producers who need help most. It is right and proper that Blackpool supports the drive to make the world economy fair.”

Trading out of poverty

Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re very pleased that Blackpool has renewed their Fairtrade status.

“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.”

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.

Fair Trade Blackpool

Fair trade falls neatly into the work of the Fairness Commission. Everyone can make a difference to the lives of farmers around the world. All you have to do is swap a regular product for a Fairtrade one. And talk to people about the benefits of Fairtrade.

After several years of hard work throughout the town, local areas and groups, Blackpool was named an official Fairtrade Town in 2017.

The FAIRTRADE Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide.

For more information about the FAIRTRADE Mark and how to apply for Fairtrade status, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.

Did you Know?

• More than 550 towns have official Fairtrade status
• Over £23 million worth of Fairtrade Premium was generated in sales in the UK.
• The Fairtrade system currently works with over 1.65 million farmers and workers.
• 1,226 Fairtrade producer organisations exist, across 74 countries.
• There are 900 Fairtrade schools, 170 Fairtrade universities, and more than 7,000 Fairtrade faith groups.

While you’re here…

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