The Isle of Man has successfully renewed its Fairtrade Island status for two years, following its ongoing commitment to promoting Fairtrade principles.
Since first achieving the accolade in 2008, the Isle of Man’s Fairtrade Group has continued to encourage the Island’s businesses and households to support Fairtrade through a variety of local initiatives.
Maintaining the Fairtrade Island status requires 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, local government, faith groups and schools.
Rosemary Clarke, One World Centre Director and a member of the Isle of Man Fairtrade Group, said: “We are delighted our Fairtrade Island status has been renewed. The Isle of Man Fairtrade Group has been very successful in highlighting the importance of trading fairly through events such as the award-winning Fairtrade Primary School conference and various activities around Fairtrade Fortnight. We have also been able to engage the support of local authorities and central Government as well as Manx businesses.
“One recent example was the partnership between MannVend and the hospital catering team which saw the introduction of an own blend of Fairtrade coffee bean at the Thie Bee, the hospital coffee shop. This will be rolled out later to other Government catering outlets.”
Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re so pleased that the Isle of Man has renewed its Fairtrade status and laid out clear exciting goals to take Fairtrade further.
“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.
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.
To get involved in the Fairtrade campaign in the Isle of Man, email Rosemary Clarke at info@owciom.org or call on 800464.
Photo - Members of the Isle of Man Fairtrade Group celebrate the renewal of the Fairtrade Island status: from left, Vicky Christian, Rosemary Clarke, Clare Manser, Hon Phil Gawne MHK and Margie Newton.
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