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As a Fairtrade Diocese, we welcome the celebrations to mark an important anniversary of the Fairtrade Foundation this year - as it is 30 years since the first Fairtrade certified products hit the supermarket shelves. As it happens, the Fairtrade Foundation began celebrating this important milestone early, partnering with music festival “Glastonbury” in June 2024!  

Beginning in 1995, Fairtrade has not only pioneered a more equitable way of doing trade, but it’s also become the world's most recognisable and trusted ethical label. The organisation works with farmers and workers in more than 1,900 producer organisations, across 68 countries, improving living standards, investing in communities and businesses, and protecting our common home while rallying a global community of millions: farmers and workers, supply chain partners, brands, retailers, shoppers, schools, government – to pay fair prices and uphold fair production standards and practices.

As part of this year’s celebration, the Fairtrade Foundation will mark “Fairtrade Fortnight” on Monday 9 September to Sunday 22 September this year, the idea being that towns and communities will come together throughout the country during this time.

The Diocesan Fairtrade Group wishes to encourage churches and schools throughout the Diocese to register as Fairtrade (if they haven’t already) and also support the work of Transform Trade, which replaced Traidcraft as a supplier of Fairtrade goods. You can find out more at www.fairtrade.org.uk or by contacting our diocesan Fairtrade representative Susan Joy by email.