Today (May 11) is World Fair Trade day, the Isle of Man Fairtrade Group has confirmed the Isle of Man has had its status as a Fairtrade Community renewed by the Fairtrade Foundation.
The renewal, which lasts until July 2026, means that the Isle of Man has received continuous Fairtrade status since 2008.
The title is given to communities who actively promote Fairtrade, recognising the educational work done locally with schools, churches, workplaces and the general public.
Fairtrade Group
In addition to the renewed status, the Isle of Man has also been awarded all five of the new Community Badges issued by the Fairtrade Foundation.
These include badges for campaigning, change-making and being Fairtrade ambassadors.
The Fairtrade Foundation has introduced these to acknowledge that ‘every action taken on a local level adds to raising awareness of the issues of unfair trade and furthers the progress of workers’ rights, safer working conditions and fairer pay for farmers and workers globally’.
Wendy Shimmin, Coordinator of the One World Centre and Isle of Man Fairtrade Group, said the awards were great accolades:
“Our Fairtrade group is small in numbers but big on impact and we are proud to work with local stockists to fly the flag for Fairtrade.
“So much of the food – and so many of the everyday items – we enjoy here on the island come from other places in the world, often where working and living conditions can be very tough.
Wendy Shimmin, Coordinator of the One World Centre and Isle of Man Fairtrade Group
“By making a Fairtrade choice we can ensure that farmers and producers are paid fairly and receive the help and protection they need to help their communities thrive.”
The group is currently organising a Fairtrade Conference for primary school children in July ahead of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight (September 9 – 22) which will mark 30 years of the Fairtrade movement.
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