FairTrade

A Fairtrade organisation ensures that its suppliers receive a fair price for their products, enjoy decent working conditions, helps to provide better terms for farmers in the developing world and promotes local sustainability.

Queen Margaret University achieved Fairtrade University status in May 2011. This was received after the University could demonstrate it had achieved five goals in the following areas:

• that the University has a Fairtrade Policy (which also includes the Student Union)
• that Fairtrade foods are available in the University Shop, Food for Thought and in the Union cafe
• that Fairtrade tea and coffee is served at all meetings hosted by the University, and in the Union
• that we run various Fairtrade events and campaigns during the year
• that we set up a Fairtrade Working Group.

The University has to apply to the Fairtrade Foundation for reaccreditation on an annual basis, and is already planning a series of campaigns and events for the coming year.

Having Fairtrade status is intrinsic to the University’s commitment to sustainability. The University realises that being sustainable on campus can have far reaching effects for everyone, both locally and internationally. Therefore the commitment to Fairtrade shows that the concept of sustainability can include an ethical dimension which supports producers in the developing world.