Bristol has celebrated its 10th year as a Fairtrade city – one of only five cities across the world to have supported the global ethical organisation for more than a decade.
The landmark achievement was celebrated by Fairtrade volunteers, business leaders and politicians at a gathering in the Orangery at Goldney Hall – bedecked with Fairtrade cotton bunting for the occasion, which came as the annual Fairtrade Fortnight got underway.
Bristol has led the world in the way it has embedded Fairtrade into the fabric of the city, Bristol Fairtrade co-ordinator Jenny Foster told guests.
Over the past 10 years it has staged the world’s largest Fairtrade Fashion shows at Bristol Cathedral and Broadmead along with the first Fairtrade Business Awards.
Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson described the anniversary as “such a significant milestone for Bristol”
He added “Trading fairly is essential to alleviating world poverty and achieving global equality and I am extremely proud of Bristol’s international reputation for Fairtrade campaigning.”
Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Alastair Watson, who opened the event, stressed how important it was that Bristol continued to trade fairly.
His comments were echoed by Angela Jarquin, a Fairtrade cocoa producer from Nicaragua who is visiting Bristol for Fairtrade Fortnight.
She explained how vital Fairtrade was for her and her community, and the difference it made to farmers’ incomes and stability.
Fairtrade Foundation head of campaigns Kevin McCullough paid tribute to Bristol’s role as one of the world’s leading Fairtrade cities – but emphasised that Fairtrade campaigning continues to be relevant and necessary.
There were ever-increasing challenges for farmers in developing countries; half the hungriest people in the world were smallholder farmers who grow the food that we love, he said.
The achievements of Bristol Fairtrade’s volunteers were recognised with the presentation of certificates in fair trade frames.
This year’s South West Fairtrade Business Awards take place on March 6 at The Watershed, Bristol.
Pictured: Fairtrade volunteers with Lord Mayor of Bristol Alastair Watson, Bristol Fairtrade co-ordinator Jenny Foster and Angela Jarquin, Fairtrade cocoa producer from Nicaragua
