Mid Ulster District Council installs new Fairtrade signage this Fairtrade Fortnight

To coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight, September 9 to 22, Mid Ulster District Council has officially renewed its accreditation as a Fairtrade Community (Fairtrade district). 

To highlight this achievement, Fairtrade signs have been installed at four locations across the district reinforcing the Council’s commitment to promoting and supporting Fairtrade in Mid Ulster. 

At the installation of the first sign, Council Chair, Councillor Eugene McConnell was joined by diplomat, Fairtrade Champion and Regional Co-ordinator Dr Christopher Stange, Consul General for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Secretariat of the All-Party Group on Fairtrade. 

Chair, Councillor Eugene McConnell said: "I am incredibly proud to announce that our district has been re-certified as a Fairtrade Community. This achievement reflects our commitment to supporting ethical practices, sustainability and ensuring that developing world farmers and workers across the globe receive a fair deal.

"I would encourage everyone to choose Fairtrade certified products where possible at your local shops and supermarkets, and to influence your family and friends to do likewise."

Consul General Dr Stange added: “I would like to commend the excellent work carried out at Mid Ulster District Council and through its Steering Group on Fairtrade. As Fairtrade celebrates 30 years, the focus has always been to tackle the causes of poverty and exploitation, not just the symptoms.

“These Fairtrade signs let everyone know Mid Ulster is a Fairtrade Community, and in celebrating this major milestone for their work on Fairtrade.”

The Fairtrade Community status is an entire Council-wide achievement with higher education institutions, schools, places of worship, workplaces and businesses all playing their role in the Fairtrade initiative. 

Fairtrade works with farmers and workers in more than 1,900 producer organisations, across 71 countries, so they can improve their living standards, invest in their communities and businesses, and protect our shared environment.

To find out more about supporting Fairtrade in Mid Ulster, go to midulstercouncil.org/fairtrade or for more information on Fairtrade in Northern Ireland, and how to get involved, visit northernirelandfairtrade.org.