Fairtrade
The Church of England’s Diocese of Portsmouth is a ‘Fairtrade diocese’. The Fairtrade Foundation gave us this status in 2006 after declaring that our parishes, cathedral and diocesan bodies were doing a good job in promoting the concept of Fairtrade. That means we’ve gained an international reputation for offering a fair deal to producers in developing countries.
Our parishes and diocesan groups make a conscious effort to use and sell Fairtrade products, which are those certified by the Fairtrade Foundation as offering a fair price to farmers who supply the raw materials in developing countries. That fair price means they avoid the problems associated with fluctuating commodity prices that could drive them out of business.
To gain Fairtrade diocese status, we had to show that one-third of our parishes were ‘Fairtrade churches’, our diocesan synod had to support the principle, and Fairtrade products had to be available in our diocesan offices and in meetings of our boards and committees. In 2012, we renewed that Fairtrade status, using the more up-to-date criteria specified by the Fairtrade Foundation.
The list of churches in our diocese officially accredited as ‘Fairtrade churches’ is below. If your church is a ‘Fairtrade church’, but doesn’t feature on this list, please let us know by sending an email to matt.lockwood@portsmouth.anglican.org.
Do you serve Fairtrade tea and coffee in your church, and perhaps use other Fairtrade products as well, such as sugar or communion wine? If you do, you’re invited to sign up to be part of the Portsmouth 100 Fairtrade initiative, as part of the Portsmouth 100 celebrations going on this year.
See below for a press release from the City Council, including full details of how to sign up and obtain a window sticker to display in your church.
It would be great to demonstrate to the City Council how many churches across the city are committed to supporting Fairtrade.
Portsmouth City Council is encouraging local organisations to take part in a new Fairtrade initiative celebrating the city’s centenary year. As part of Portsmouth100, the Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum aims to highlight 100 local organisations that actively support Fairtrade by selling or serving at least two Fairtrade items.
Portsmouth is proud to hold Fairtrade Community status, and the council continues to support efforts that champion ethical, sustainable choices across the city.
The Portsmouth100 campaign offers a simple way for cafés, restaurants, retailers and service providers of all sizes to show their commitment to Fairtrade, whether they already offer Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar, chocolate, clothing or crafts, or are looking to introduce new Fairtrade-certified options.
Participating organisations will receive a Portsmouth100 Fairtrade certificate and a window sticker to display throughout the centenary year, showcasing their support to customers, visitors and the wider community.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Portsmouth has a strong tradition of supporting fairness, community, and sustainability, and our Fairtrade status is a key part of that identity. The Portsmouth100 campaign is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to celebrate the city’s centenary year by demonstrating their commitment to ethical trade. Many businesses already use Fairtrade products every day without realising they qualify, so I would encourage them to come forward and be recognised for the positive contribution they are making.”
Portsmouth City Council and the Fairtrade Forum are inviting organisations to step forward now and be counted. Organisations interested in taking part or finding out more can contact Jane Singh, Tourism Manager, Visit Portsmouth via email.
