Fairtrade Fortnight 2015

Students and staff are invited to get involved in Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 23 February to 8 March.

A range of events is being held to to celebrate fairtrade and highlight how it benefits some of the most disadvantaged people in the world.

Edinburgh became the first Scottish university to attain Fairtrade status following a vote by students in February 2003.

The move has seen Edinburgh and EUSA make commitments to procuring and selling fair trade products, and raising awareness of fair trade.

Last November, the University was given a Special Recognition Award by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum for its commitment to fair trade in academic work and procurement.

This means a great deal to all of the people who have assisted the University of Edinburgh achieve its Fair Trade status. Our commitment and belief continues to blossom and grow, we are driven by passion and the procurement knowledge that we can make a change and influence outcomes which will drive equality and fairness for all.

Events

Throughout the fortnight, students are organising an exhibition on fair trade titled "What does Fair Trade mean to you?" with photographs submitted by students.

Event attendees can meet fair trade producers, taste fresh baked fair trade cakes, and learn more about where our food, clothes and electronics come from.

A Food Researchers in Edinburgh (FRiED) seminar with Dr Ben Richardson, Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, will look at the economics of our sugar addition.

More than Food

How was your phone made? The University's Ethics Forum will investigate the reality of fair trade beyond food in a panel discussion featuring academic and industry experts, asking "should the University be worried about conflict minerals?"

Meet the producers

We are delighted to welcome representatives from Craftaid Mauritius and Koolskools to the University of Edinburgh for a "meet the producers" event.

Visitors will have the chance to interact with inspiring people who are working together to bring Fair Trade cotton into UK supply chains.