Fairtrade City Status
FAB began working towards Fairtrade City status for Birmingham in February 2004. The criteria were met in summer 2005 and the declaration took place on 28th November 2005.
What that status means in Birmingham- The City Council passed a resolution in April 2004 supporting Fairtrade, and agreeing to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices and canteens. Fairtrade tea and coffee are the default on the order form for meetings
- A range of Fairtrade products are available in more than one hundred of the city’s shops, and served in over 50 local cafés and catering establishments.
- Fairtrade products are used in an increasing number of workplaces and community organisations.
- There has been media coverage by local radio, press and through BBC online. There have been stalls at the Saturday market selling fair trade goods and raising awareness. FAB members run assemblies and special input sessions on Fair Trade for local schools.
- A local Fairtrade steering group meets monthly to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade City status. If you would like to participate, please call Lorraine Cookson on 0121 303 5449 or email info@fairtradebirmingham.org.uk. You will be welcome either as a representative of an organisation or as an interested individual.
Fairtrade status – for cities, towns, universities, schools – is an initiative of the Fairtrade Foundation. You can find out more about Fairtrade towns and cities on the Fairtrade Foundation website.
