To declare Northern Ireland a Fairtrade region the following criteria need to be fulfilled:

• All cities and at least 55% of local authorities to have Fairtrade status;

• All local authority areas and at least 55% of towns with a population of 6,000 or more to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status;

• At least 60% of higher education institutions to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status;

• Parliament/Assembly and Government to use, promote and make available Fairtrade products internally, and to actively promote Fairtrade Fortnight each year;

• Fairtrade to be promoted in schools through the curriculum, procurement and other possible means;

• Schools, Further Education Institutions, Faith Groups, Trade Unions, business networks, voluntary and youth organisations to pledge to use and promote Fairtrade.

On 19 June 2017 Northern Ireland WAS declared A Fairtrade Devolved Region at a cereMony in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, having completed the criteria

Full report available below

Picture gallery below of the declaration
courtesy of Belfast Bohemian Productions
Click on Image to advance automatically

Northern Ireland achieves Fairtrade devolved region status

19 June 2017

Belfast, NORTHERN IRELAND: Northern Ireland has become a Fairtrade devolved region after fulfilling the main targets of having all its five cities and six of its 11 council areas attaining Fairtrade status to include their respective towns.

The remaining councils are currently working towards the Fairtrade standard.

Central government, higher education institutions, schools, places of worship, businesses and workplaces have also played a vital role in the initiative, many attained or working towards Fairtrade accreditation.

To celebrate this accolade of achievement the official declaration and launch of the report was made today in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Stormont sponsored by Steven Agnew MLA, Chairperson on behalf of the All Party Group on Fairtrade.  Fairtrade products generously donated by the Co-op, Fish Hoek and Divine Chocolate with catering by Eurest.

Fairtrade provides a commitment to enable the most marginalised small-scale producers of the developing world to successfully trade in the global market to alleviate poverty, create empowerment and a future, working towards the United Nations’ (UNs’) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through purchasing and procurement of Fairtrade certified products.

Fairtrade commodities are produced under the strictest environmental and social conditions through internationally recognised best practices, free from exploitation, child labour and human trafficking.

Steven Agnew MLA, Chair of the All Party Group on Fairtrade said: “I am delighted that Northern Ireland has attained the status of Fairtrade region.  This has come as a result of the hard work and efforts of the local Fairtrade campaign, championed by Dr Christopher Stange.  This achievement is notable in that came about without the support of the Executive Office, as was the case with other devolved regions.  Fairtrade status will bring about better outcomes for producers in developing countries as well as the people of Northern Ireland as consumers."

Peter Gaynor, Executive Director Fairtrade Ireland said: “We have seen local authorities, Fairtrade Towns groups and the All Party Group on Fairtrade do a huge amount in recent years in Northern Ireland to promote Fairtrade. It is a real achievement from all of this work that they are now becoming a Fairtrade devolved region - And of course Christopher Stange himself deserves a very big thank you for all his work personally. Fairtrade began with the dedicated work of small groups of people and this is a great example of these groups coming together to achieve something bigger together. “

Michael Gidney, Chief Executive UK Fairtrade Foundation said: “Congratulations to all the communities, individuals and organisations who’ve worked tirelessly over many years promoting Fairtrade across Northern Ireland on this achievement.  Fairtrade has shown that together we can effect real change for farming communities in the global south, yet in too many places, Fairtrade products remain the exception, not the rule. From Stormont to community groups, churches to corner shops, it’s fantastic to see the people of Northern Ireland finding new ways to unite communities and stand up for marginalised farmers and workers who deserve a better deal.  Joining forces as a devolved region through Fairtrade sends a powerful message that Northern Ireland is committed to ending the scandal of unfair trade.”

Dr Christopher Stange, Secretariat All Party Group on Fairtrade & Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland said: “This regional commitment to the developing world through local action and purchasing Fairtrade products is the culmination of two decades of voluntary action, uniting all sections of society.  Through Fairtrade we ensure a better future for those less fortunate creating a lasting legacy and connection between the developing world and Northern Ireland.”

22 Northern Ireland towns and one island have achieved Fairtrade status with the remaining 14 currently working toward with active groups.

Two-thirds of our higher education institutions have achieved or working towards the Fairtrade standard.  ENDS

ON APRIL 29, 2022 - 100% FAIRTRADE STATS WAS ACHIEVED FOR NORTHERN IRELAND FOR EVERY CITY, MAJOR TOWN & COUNCIL AREA ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND - A GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT

THE PLAN

FAIRTRADE in NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland CITIES and TOWNS (6,000 or greater)                    
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) 

 Five AREAS to achieve Fairtrade COMMUNITIES status
(updated 2023)

Action Area 1: Boosting Fairtrade
This is about consumer action. That is, encouraging the purchase, procurement, stocking and use of Fairtrade certified products by local retailers, businesses and shoppers.

Action Area 2: Connecting Fairtrade
This is about working collectively to so our voices are heard by those who can drive change. More than ever, we need to bring the social justice movement together. This area expands your impact and shapes the wider movement by networking and partnering with other individuals and groups in Fairtrade and beyond.

Action Area 3: Fairtrade Changemaker
This is about growing political support for Fairtrade locally. We know that the government and decision-makers are often driven to action not by big organisations, but by the demands of their local constituents and community members.

Action Area 4: Fairtrade Ambassadors
Being a Fairtrade Ambassador is about deepening your own and others' understanding of how fairer trade supports wider social change such as climate justice and global power balance.

Action Area 5: Fairtrade Influencers
This final area is about growing support for fairer trade in the digital space and deepening the understanding your social media network has of how Fairtrade supports wider social change.1. Each local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteens);

Model of Practice in Northern Ireland
IN PLACE across all 11 councils

Two steps:
1. Motion passed at council with a Terms of Reference for the Fairtrade Steering Group.
2. Fairtrade Steering Group formed and maintained. Administrative support provided by council’s lead staff.