‘Double-first’ as Belfast is awarded dual Fairtrade city status

Belfast has become an Irish Fairtrade city, the first to achieve dual accreditation from Fairtrade Foundation (UK) and from Fairtrade Mark Ireland.

The announcement was made this morning by the organisers of the Fairtrade Belfast campaign during a special Belfast City Council-supported event – ‘Fairtrade Teabreak’ - at the Ulster Hall to mark Fairtrade Fortnight (March 6 - 17). Belfast was awarded UK Fairtrade city status in June 2005.

Fairtrade Mark Ireland and Fairtrade Foundation (UK) are the respective Irish and UK members of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) - the organisation which sets standards and certifies producer groups as meeting these standards.

Millions of farmers in the developing worlds depend on selling their crops in order to survive. Fairtrade guarantees producer organisations a fair and stable price for their products that covers their costs and enables them to support their families and invest in a better future. They also receive a social premium which is invested in the local community. Fairtrade products can be purchased in supermarkets, shops, bars, restaurants, health food and Fairtrade shops, from vending machines and catering suppliers, by mail order and online.

With the sale of Fairtrade products increasing at a rate of 20 per cent each year, sales of more than 1100 commercially Fairtrade products - from coffee, bananas and chocolate to wine, baseball boots and footballs - are now topping £140 million in the UK and more than $1 billion worldwide.

Belfast’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Pat Convery, said: “In Belfast, we have a history of reaching out to help our fellow man, and of standing up for the rights of others. From the late 18th century, when Thomas Russell led the crusade against slavery, to the work of the Fairtrade Belfast Committee today, we have been at the forefront of championing issues associated with trade and injustice which affect the livelihoods and future of so many in the developing worlds."

Kirsten Kearney, Chair of Fairtrade Belfast, said: “We’re really excited that Belfast has had the chance to prove itself as a city that cares for the less-privileged communities of the world. Becoming an Irish, as well as a British Fairtrade city, fits well with our unique political situation here, and shows that Belfast is doubly committed to bringing trade justice to our unjust global trading systems and to spreading the Fairtrade message throughout this city.”

(GB)