Northern Ireland reaches Fairtrade region status led by Vincentian with attached pictures, becoming only the third nation in the world to achieve this accolade.
The primary beneficiaries of the Fairtrade system are the Caribbean, Central America, African and Pacific countries.
This has been led voluntarily by Vincentian Dr Christopher Stange, Hon. Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland.
Fairtrade commodities are produced under the strictest environmental and social conditions through internationally recognised best practices, free from exploitation, child labour and human trafficking.
Steven Agnew MLA, Chair of the All Party Group on Fairtrade said: “I am delighted that Northern Ireland has attained the status of Fairtrade region. This has come as a result of the hard work and efforts of the local Fairtrade campaign, championed by Vincentian Dr Christopher Stange.
Peter Gaynor, Executive Director Fairtrade Ireland said: “We have seen local authorities, Fairtrade Towns groups and the All Party Group on Fairtrade do an enormous amount in recent years in Northern Ireland to promote Fairtrade. It is a real achievement from all of this work that they are now becoming a Fairtrade devolved region – And of course, Christopher Stange himself deserves a huge thank you for all his work personally.
Michael Gidney, Chief Executive UK Fairtrade Foundation said;
: “Congratulations to all the communities, individuals and organisations who’ve worked tirelessly over many years promoting Fairtrade across Northern Ireland on this achievement.
Dr Christopher Stange, Secretariat All Party Group on Fairtrade and Hon. Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland said: “This regional commitment to the developing world through local action and purchasing Fairtrade products is the culmination of two decades of voluntary work, uniting all sections of society.
Through Fairtrade we ensure a better future for those less fortunate creating a lasting legacy and connection between the developing world and Northern Ireland.”
