Policy and briefing Documents for Fairtrade
National Fairtrade Purchasing Guide
Policy Briefing and Reports on Fairtrade
Fairtrade Campaign Action Guide
Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA): Under section 25 of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, Government Departments and District Councils have a statutory duty to promote the achievement of sustainable development in the exercise of their functions, which includes Fairtrade.
Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA): Following a restructuring of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) in May 2016 sustainable development became the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The principles of sustainable development have been integrated into the work of all Departments and local Councils through the draft Programme for Government, NICS Outcomes Delivery Plan and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Northern Ireland Assembly - Sustainable Development Strategy - Issue 3 (2016)
Northern Ireland Executive’s International Relations Strategy (2014)
Point 9.4 Key Principles: “To support the promotion of Fair Trade.”
European Union Public Procurement Directive making it easier to choose Fair Trade (2014)
The new law confirms the set direction by the European Union (EU) Court of Justice in the case ruling (European Commission vs Netherlands C‑368/10), clarifying that public procurement contracts can legally award additional points (weighting criteria) to products of “Fair Trade origin”. In addition, the Directive allows tender documents to refer to specific certification schemes as proof of the Fair Trade credentials of a product. The law came into effect on March 2014. All EU Member States will have until 2016 to incorporate it into their national laws.
Public Procurement for Fairtrade Towns
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM) – Sustainable Development Statutory Duty, A Guide for Public Authorities (2013)
Business in the Community (BITC) – Fairtrade A Guide for Your Business (2012)
Northern Ireland Assembly Fairtrade motion passed unanimously (cross-party) – (2012)
Hansard Page 240: “That this Assembly acknowledges Fairtrade Fortnight; notes the adoption of Fairtrade procurement policies by many branches of local and central government; and calls on the Executive to review Fairtrade procurement policy with a view to supporting Fairtrade when and where possible.”
Northern Ireland Assembly & Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (2012) “Support, in line with cross-departmental practice, the policy of using Fairtrade products for official hospitality.”
Northern Ireland Executive: Everyone’s Involved - Sustainable Development Strategy (2010)
Commitment 18: “We will publish a comprehensive programme to promote, establish and facilitate ethical and fair trade relations which support sustainable growth. We will continue to proactively promote our programme internationally through the lifetime of this strategy.”
