Fairtrade Fortnight 2017

Did you know there are over 4,500 Fairtrade certified products for sale in the UK?!

It’s Fairtrade Fortnight 27^th February – 12^th March. DMU was awarded Fairtrade status in March 2010 and this year we have a number of exciting events and opportunities to get involved with during the next few weeks!

What does Fairtrade mean?

Fairtrade means that farmers and workers have decent working conditions and they’re given a fair price for their produce. By buying Fairtrade products, which doesn’t seem like a big deal to us, you are supporting farmers and workers all over the world and helping them improve their lives and communities. For specific products including, coffee, cocoa, cotton and rice, Fairtrade only certifies small-scale farmer organisations. Fairtrade is also 50% owned by farmers and workers, therefore giving them an equal voice in decision-making and meaning they are involved in a partnership.

What is Fairtrade minimum price?

The Fairtrade minimum price defines the lowest possible price that a buyer of Fairtrade products must pay the producer. The minimum price is set based on a consultative process with Fairtrade farmers, workers and traders and guarantees that producer groups receive a price which covers what it costs them to grow their crop. When the market price is higher than the Fairtrade minimum price, the trader must pay the market price.

For more in depth facts and figures visit: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en/what-is-fairtrade

What does being a Fairtrade University mean?

In order for a university to become a Fairtrade University they have to demonstrate to the Fairtrade Foundation how they have met 5 key goals. These goals are:-

1: Pass a Fairtrade Policy (for both the Uni and the students’ union).

2: Get Fairtrade products on campus.

3: Use Fairtrade products at meetings.

4: Organise Fairtrade campaigns.

5: Set up a Fairtrade Steering Group.

Once the Fairtrade Foundation are satisfied that the five goals have been met the status of Fairtrade University is awarded. Gaining the status is not the end of the story however, as biannual submissions are then required to demonstrate how you are continuing to meet the goals and retaining the status of Fairtrade University.

This is DMU’s Fairtrade Policy: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/documents/about-dmu-documents/dmu-estate/environmental/fairtradepolicydmu2.pdf
As we are a Fairtrade University, we will be holding some events this year including:

6 Word Fairtrade Story (open until 12^th March):

Can you write a story with Fairtrade as the subject in only 6 words? Send your entry to sustainability@dmu.ac.uk or tweet @sustainabledmu using the hashtag #DMUFairtradeStory. The best entry will win a prize.

Put Fairtrade in Your Break (open until 12^th March):

Tweet @sustainabledmu pictures of how you’re putting Fairtrade into your tea or coffee break and use the hashtag #DMUTweetYourBreak. The best entry will win a prize.

Fairtrade Cake Bake:

Bake a cake using at least 2 Fairtrade ingredients, entry forms available from www.dmu.ac.uk/fairtrade. Entry forms to be submitted by 6^th March with baked entries ready for judging on 10^th March. There will be a prize for Tastiest Cake and for Best Communicated Fairtrade Message.

Fairtrade Elevenses at the Chaplaincy (Monday 6^th March):

Join the chaplaincy team to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight at Mill Studios from 11am.

Fairtrade Kenya Producer Talk (Monday 6^th March):

Hear from Esther Koskei, Chairlady of Kabng’etuny Women in Coffee Association, Kenya. Event held at City Hall, Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ. The event is free to attend, organised with Fairtrade Leicester. Meet outside DSU at 5pm to walk to venue for 5:30pm start. Event finished at 7:30pm.

Fairtrade Stall (Tuesday 7^th March):

Fairtrade samples and activities. Food Village, Vijay Patel. 11:30am – 2:30pm.

If you have any questions about the competitions or are interested in spreading the Fairtrade message, email sustainability@dmu.ac.uk .