North Ayrshire’s Fairtrade status renewed for sixth year running

The good news came as the annual ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ got underway last week week running from Monday, February 24 until Sunday, March 8.

Fairtrade Zone status is awarded to an area which makes a commitment to support and use products with the Fairtrade mark.

North Ayrshire’s accolade was first awarded in 2014 after many years of hard work from the North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone Steering Group.

Since the status was first awarded, the group’s great efforts have resulted in the status being renewed year-on-year.

And this year, the celebrate the achievement, members of the Steering Group are hoping to spread the message out into the community about the benefits that buying Fairtrade marked products could bring not only to our own community, but those across the world. During the two-week campaign, the group will be visiting various schools and libraries across North Ayrshire.

Provost Ian Clarkson said: “It is fantastic that our area has been recognised as a Fairtrade zone for the sixth year running.

“This great achievement reflects the hard work, commitment and huge efforts of all our Fairtrade groups as well as the businesses and communities who’ve embraced the ethical movement.

“My thanks and appreciation go to all those who have gone above and beyond to ensure North Ayrshire does its bit for this important and worthwhile cause.”

The Fairtrade movement is about better prices, better working conditions and better lives for farmers and workers in the developing world. The Fairtrade logo means companies have paid fair prices.

Jan MacGregor, Chair of the North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone Steering Group, said: “Maintaining North Ayrshire’s Fairtrade Zone status is the main aim of the group – we are all passionate about the difference that choosing Fairtrade makes both to our lives, the lives of people around the world and the environment. We simply ask all who can to choose Fairtrade.”