Edinburgh has retained its longstanding Fairtrade city status for the 22nd year ahead of a fortnight of events to highlight the importance of the Fairtrade distinction.
The Scottish capital has maintained this recognition for two decades, having first achieved the designation in 2004.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron met with the Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group to accept the renewed certificate last week.
The renewal highlights the city’s ongoing support for global farmers and the continued promotion of licensed products carrying the Fairtrade Mark.
Fairtrade International say the symbol provides consumers with reassurance that producers receive fair prices alongside the enforcement of strict social, economic, and environmental standards.
Russell Salton, chair of Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group, said: “Edinburgh has been a Fairtrade Community since 2004 and we are very pleased to have retained Edinburgh’s Fairtrade status, especially as we enter Fairtrade Fortnight (21 September to 4 October).
“Every Fairtrade product you choose supports farmers pushing for better wages and safer conditions. Fair pay starts with producers – but it’s powered by people choosing to Do it Fair.”
The Edinburgh Fairtrade Steering Group also aims to encourage people to assess their buying habits and switch to buying products which support farmers and producers in deprived countries.
These producers often have little leverage over multinational distributors and rely on the Fairtrade International Premium – an extra amount per unit sold above the baseline price – to survive.
In addition, it’s thought that around half of fairtrade premium proceeds go towards improving productivity and quality.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:
I am very pleased to receive this certificate confirming the renewal of City of Edinburgh’s Fairtrade Community status, and congratulate the Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group on its work in achieving this.
“By buying Fairtrade, we ensure that the people who have produced our favourite products have earned a fairer income and have agency over their lives.
“Many farmers are still paid less than it costs to produce their crops. Fairtrade tackles this with Minimum Prices and the Fairtrade Premium, giving farmers protection when markets drop and helping build stronger communities.”
Events will take place across Scotland for to highlight the difference made to producers by the Fairtrade Premium.
One event in Edinburgh by the Hadeel Palestinian Shop will focus on farmers in Palestine.
Taysir Arbasi, the primary liaison in Palestine for Zaytoun – a UK social enterprise which supports Palestinian farmers through fair trade – will give a talk on the importance of Fairtrade to Palestinian farmers.
The talk will begin at 6:30pm at St John’s Church Hall on Lothian Road.
