We are inviting Fairtrade supporters to come and help us celebrate ten years of Fairtrade Yorkshire.

Some of the conference attendees at the University of Leeds

We are meeting at Christchurch, Ilkley on Saturday 23rd September, 1-4pm.

Refreshments will be served from 12:30.

There will be sessions on working in partnership, where to buy Fairtrade products and plenty of chance to speak to other supporters from groups across Yorkshire. And, of course, celebration with a specially made cake to mark Fairtrade Yorkshire’s 10th birthday.

Click on the eventbrite link here to book your free place. Look forward to seeing you there!

Baildon Fairtrade group has been showcased in a national resource promoting a new initiative launched by the Fairtrade Foundation to attract and support local campaigners across the region and the UK.

The group features in a set of eight case studies that highlight the inspiring, creative and committed work carried out by a number of Fairtrade Communities nationwide.

Published on the Fairtrade Foundation website, the resource describes the difference that Baildon Fairtrade has made through its campaigning and awareness-raising activities in the region.  This includes rewarding local businesses with a Fairtrade Supporter Certificate.

The case study is part of the launch of a new-look Fairtrade Communities scheme run by the Fairtrade Foundation to mobilise and resource grassroots campaigners across the UK to stand up for trade justice.

Communities have emerged nationwide. These include Fairtrade Towns, Cities, Islands, Villages, Boroughs and Counties, all committed to campaigning for fairer earnings, access to rights and better working conditions for farmers and workers in low-income countries who grow products such as coffee, cocoa, tea and bananas.

Speaking on behalf of the group Mike de Villiers said: “Our local florist Emma is passionate about all things environmental. So we approached her to discuss Fairtrade, and she is now a firm supporter. We’ve awarded her one of our certificates to show that and she has been proud to share that with the local community. It is a real bonus and honour that our Baildon community is featured among national Fairtrade resources.”

As part of the launch of the new-look Fairtrade Communities, the Fairtrade Foundation has published a Campaigns Action Guide created to inspire and resource new and existing campaigners interested in joining the movement for trade justice. The guide explores the concept of trade justice, how Fairtrade works, how to become a Fairtrade campaigner, and ideas for campaigning across the different action areas.

As well as Fairtrade Communities, the Fairtrade Foundation also oversees awards for Fairtrade Schools, Fairtrade Universities and Colleges, and Places of Worship groups.

For more information, visit the Fairtrade Foundation campaign website

Hull has once again been recognised as a Fairtrade Community.

Fairtrade ensures farmers and workers in developing countries around the world are paid a fair price for their goods, earn a living wage and their communities benefit from educational and medical provisions.

The accolade was awarded by the UK Fairtrade Foundation a proves the city’s commitment to have promoted Fairtrade across Hull through campaigns and events, as well as demonstrating that a wide range of people and organisations are involved.

Hull’s Fairtrade Partnership is made up of representatives from voluntary, community and faith sector groups, Fairtrade activists, council officers, elected members, local Fairtrade businesses and Hull University Student Union.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, is chair of the Hull Fairtrade Partnership.

He said: “Hull has always had time to stand up for social justice and is proud to be recognised as a Fairtrade Community.

“Every action taken to support Fairtrade locally challenges unfair trade practices and advocates for decent workers’ rights, safer working conditions and fairer pay for farmers and workers globally.

“Everyone involved in the Hull Fairtrade Partnership and many others who have supported our local Fairtrade campaigns should be proud that Hull has achieved this award.”

Hull City Council passed a resolution to become a Fairtrade City in 2005.

Isabelle Tracy, Co-op Member Pioneer and Hull Fairtrade Partnership member, added: “The Co-op pioneers Fairtrade products as part of our mission to promote the aims of the World Fairtrade Organisation and Fairtrade Charter. As a Co-op Member Pioneer, I help to drive Co-op’s commitment to ethical trade and local community activism. I am proud to have supported Fairtrade events in Hull over the past two years and look forward to many more of them. Well done Hull for re-accreditation as a Fairtrade Community!”