"The government, which has been a major supporter of the Fairtrade Foundation over the years, has just announced that it is giving the organisation a further £750,000. This support has helped Fairtrade achieve phenomenal growth to reach its present turnover of £140 million. There are now 800 Fairtrade products available in the UK - up from 150 in 2003.
"By buying Fairtrade certified products such as coffee, tea, fruit and chocolate, shoppers are helping farmers and other producers earn a decent living and obtain good healthcare and education. It's making a real contribution to helping poor people help themselves out of poverty.
"I would like to congratulate all those involved in gaining this award, which brings great credit to the University."
Pro Vice Chancellor, Terry Neville accepted the certificate on behalf of the University said “We have long supported fairtrade here at the University of Hertfordshire and it is thanks to the hard work of both staff and students we are now officially recognised as a Fairtrade University
“It has been awarded to us because we have fulfilled all the relevant criteria laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation. This includes selling fairtrade foods at all our campus shops, refectories, cafes, bars and providing fairtrade tea and coffee at all meetings hosted by the University and Students Union.
We have also established a Fairtrade Steering Group to implement our Fairtrade Policy and are actively promoting fairtrade. The events during Fairtrade Fortnight have included talks and presentations, displays, quizzes and competitions. I'm sure that after these two weeks everyone at the University will know more about fairtrade and the importance of supporting it”. |
