By Santana Luis

The familiar blue and green logo, the registered Fairtrade Mark, appeared on the first UK product in 1994. The Mark is licensed by the Fairtrade Foundation, which was set up in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, the World Development Movement and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. Fairtrade seeks to achieve economic, social, and environmental sustainability for farmers and workers in less developed countries. It helps to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and supports farmers to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

2024 is the 30th anniversary of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK, and the Fairtrade Foundation

Fairtrade Fortnight is the annual celebration of all things Fairtrade, raising awareness for the need for fairer trade to support farmers in low-income countries. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fairtrade Mark, which lets people know what products are in line with the movement’s ethical and sustainably. 

Fairtrade now works with more than 2 million farmers and workers around the world. Between 1994 and 2022, farmers and producers have shared an estimated £1.7 billion in Fairtrade Premium payments. But with the world facing major challenges, now is the time to redouble our efforts to do more. Many of the farmers overseas who produce the goods we rely on in the UK are facing the impacts of both climate change and poverty.

Many small-scale farmers and workers in countries most affected by climate change are often experts in adapting to climate change. But unfair trade means they don’t have the money to invest in sustainable farming techniques that can secure a fairer, greener future for people, planet and the world’s food supply. 

Fairtrade are working to grow fair pay for farmers, so they have the resources and financial stability to protect the environment and adapt to the risks of climate change. Farmers are at the heart of the climate crisis; they face the worst effects of climate change and are bearing the costs to combat it. Ask the UK government to support the farmers taking on deforestation, by delivering on promised funding and making sure deforestation law gives a fair deal to farmers.  Stand with farmers taking on climate change and building a sustainable future. We must act at pace in a world in which the climate crisis, global conflicts, and the pandemic have heightened threats to farmers’ livelihoods and exposed the fragility of our shared food system. Growing Our Movement for Change Report

Every time we buy an item with the Fairtrade Mark, we are part of this movement which works in partnership with producers and workers, so that they can afford to feed their families, send their children to school, cover their farming costs, adapt to climate change and have a brighter future. We are also calling upon changemakers to promote fair trade to help producers and farmers tackle poverty and climate change, and build a sustainable trade system for all. Be the Change

Fairtrade is a worldwide movement for change and trade justice.

Transform Trade supports producers around the world. Together, we fight for a fairer trade system. we can change the way we trade – in partnership with the world’s producers – we can solve big problems. trade should support humanity – and the planet we all live on. Be part of the transformation

Everyday, inspirational producer collectives and social enterprises around the world are finding new and innovative ways to tackle global challenges.  They’re showing a better way of doing trade isn’t just possible – it’s already happening.

Transform Trade partner with these groups to build a brighter future for their communities and spread their influence around the world.  Invest in the farmers, workers and artisans who are changing the world of trade from the ground up.

During March 2021, at the Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations, the Diocese of Westminster celebrated being recognised as the first Catholic Fairtrade Diocese.

Westminster Becomes First Catholic Fairtrade Diocese

Westminster Fairtrade Award Celebration

Other Resources

CAFOD Campaigns – Fairtrade
CAFOD Schools – Fairtrade
Fairtrade Foundation Church Resources

Fairtrade Place of Worship

There are lots of ways to support Fairtrade, but just two core requirements to be awarded Fairtrade Place of Worship status:

1. Use Fairtrade products wherever possible (at least tea, coffee and sugar) and share this information with the wider congregation. 
2. Integrate Fairtrade into the life of your place of worship, at Fairtrade Fortnight or other times of the year e.g. events, stalls and worship. 

There is a brand-new online commitment process that’s easy to complete whether you have applied for Fairtrade status before, or not, and new certificates, posters and materials available to celebrate and showcase your Fairtrade commitment.

Fairtrade Places of Worship Guide

Thank you for being part of the Fairtrade movement and for celebrating this 30th anniversary with us. Fairtrade would not be what it is today, without your support.

Together, let’s be the change to make trade fair.

Fairtrade at 30