Mid and East Antrim has been awarded the prestigious Fairtrade Borough status by the UK Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Ireland, to include the main towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne in recognition of its commitments to Fairtrade principles.
As part of the campaign, retailers have pledged to sell more than four Fairtrade products and eateries have committed to serving Fairtrade tea and coffee.
The campaign also secured support from faith groups, schools, and businesses throughout the Borough to promote the Fairtrade message in their working practices. The Council and the Fairtrade Steering Committee have made great efforts to increase the number of outlets which provide Fairtrade options locally and encourage more people to choose Fairtrade.
Mid & East Antrim Mayor, Cllr William McCaughey, who received the official certificate confirming the Fairtrade status at a reception for the Fairtrade Steering Committee, said:
“I am delighted that Council has been awarded Fairtrade Borough status. Residents in Mid and East Antrim can also do a little bit every day to change the food system globally.
“There are over 6,000 Fairtrade products from coffee and tea to flowers and wine, so when you shop, consider looking for the Fairtrade mark.
“Through simple shopping choices you can show businesses and governments that you believe in fair and just trade. I would encourage all residents to make every effort to include some Fairtrade products in their shopping basket or ask for Fairtrade tea or coffee when visiting the Borough’s many local cafes and restaurants.”
Elected members and rotating Chairs for the Fairtrade Steering Committee Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, Cllr Beth Adger MBE and Cllr Andrew Wilson, said:
“We are proud to endorse this community project and demonstrate the Borough’s commitment to supporting Fairtrade, which guarantees fair prices and suitable working conditions for the most vulnerable farmers in developing countries.
“Working in partnership with a broad range of organisations, this project helps enable sustainable economic growth and shows our joint support for ethical purchasing.”
Dr Christopher Stange, Consul General for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Secretariat of the All-Party Group on Fairtrade added:
“We are delighted to welcome Mid & East Antrim to the global Fairtrade movement, which now unites over 2,200 communities worldwide. These practical steps in purchasing Fairtrade certified products go a long way to help improve the livelihoods and working conditions of people in developing countries.
“Today is a proud moment for Northern Ireland as 100% of our Councils have achieved the Fairtrade status.”
It’s easy to see if a shop offers Fairtrade products - all products will be branded with the distinctive Fairtrade mark and many shops and cafes display a ‘We stock Fairtrade’ sticker or poster in their premises.
The Borough’s Fairtrade Steering Committee will continue to promote Fairtrade, particularly around World Fairtrade Day on Saturday May 14, 2022 and during Fairtrade Fortnight 2023.
The Mid & East Antrim Fairtrade Steering Group welcomes new members. For further information and to become involved contact:
To find out more about Fairtrade visit: