Published on:
28
February 2013
Scotland has become one of the world's first Fair Trade Nations.
The news comes during Fair Trade Fortnight 2013 and follows a nationwide campaign led by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum that has seen the people of Scotland rally behind Fair Trade principles.
Clackmannanshire's Fair Trade champion, Provost Tina Murphy said: "It is fantastic news that all of Scotland has Fair Trade status, thanks to all the hard work done by many like minded people throughout the country.
"Fair trade makes a real difference to producers in developing countries by paying a fair price for what they produce. It is heartening to see that all of our country is committed to help others less able to help themselves."
The accolade has been awarded in recognition that people, government, businesses, public bodies and community organisations across Scotland have come together to meet stringent criteria designed to promote Fair Trade.
Provost Murphy added: "We must now build on today's achievement and continue to work hard to encourage even greater Scottish support for Fair Trade.
"Scotland achieving Fair Trade Nation status is the result of a grassroots campaign. People in all walks of life, across the country really are concerned about fairness in international trade and are prepared to act on that concern in their everyday purchasing decisions."
Clackmannanshire officially received their certificate in September 2012 to confirm that the county has been elevated to being a Fair Trade Zone.
Clackmannanshire's Fair Trade steering group was formed in Summer 2011 made up of volunteers from Clackmannanshire's communities who are committed to promoting Fair Trade and working for trade justice. The steering group work closely with local schools and businesses to raise awareness of Fair Trade and increase the use and availability of Fair Trade products throughout the county.
In January 2012 the Council unanimously passed a resolution agreeing to support Fair Trade and supporting the bid for Clackmannanshire to become a Fair Trade Zone
To qualify for Fair Trade Nation status, the Scottish Fair Trade Forum (SFTF) was required to demonstrate how Scotland had met a series of stringent criteria with all seven Scottish cities and at least 55 per cent of local authority areas to have Fair Trade status.
The SFTF were awarded funding by the Scottish Government to coordinate the campaign for Scotland to meet the criteria necessary to become a Fair Trade Nation.