Proud to be a Fairtrade University

Many people often feel powerless to act when faced with global issues such as poverty or world trade. One way of making a difference on these issues is through the products that we buy and enjoy.

Fair trade products offer a fair deal to the producers from across the world that grow, make and produce the products we all enjoy.

Perhaps the best known fair trade label is the FAIRTRADE Mark which can be found on over 3000 different Fairtrade certified products in the UK.

What is Fairtrade and the FAIRTRADE Mark?

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

The FAIRTRADE Mark is a registered trademark of Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO). It certifies that a product meets social, economic and environmental standards set by FLO. The Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profit organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products in the UK in accordance with these standards.

Look for this Mark on Fairtrade products.

The Fairtrade standards include
- a fair and stable price for producers that cover the costs of sustainable production
- pre-financing where required and longer term trading relationships and partnerships
- decent , safe working conditions and worker representation for hired labour
- the promotion of environmentally responsible and sustainable farming methods
- the additional Fairtrade premium to invest in social, economic, and environmental development 
 
The FAIRTRADE Mark ensures a better deal for producers in developing countries.. By choosing Fairtrade products you are helping struggling producers to improve their lives, and their communities across the developing world as well as getting a great product. For more information on Fairtrade visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.

Being a Fairtrade University

DMU was awarded Fairtrade status in March 2010.

A Fairtrade University or College is one that has made a commitment to supporting and using Fairtrade products. A Fairtrade University ensures that Fairtrade products are available in as many places as possible and they raise awareness of Fairtrade and the benefits that it brings to producers in developing countries with students and staff.
 
De Montfort University (DMU) and De Montfort Students Union (DSU) has worked hard to become a Fairtrade University and raise awareness amongst staff and students. To become a Fairtrade University 5 key goals must be met. These goals are:-
 
1. The Student Union (or equivalent) and the university or college authorities both create a Fairtrade policy incorporating these five goals.
 
2. Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafés/restaurants/bars on campus. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use Fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as it becomes possible to do so.
 
3. Fairtrade foods (for example, coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the university or college and the Student Union (or equivalent), and are served in all university or college and Student Union management offices.
 
4. There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus.
 
5. A Fairtrade Steering Group is established
 
We have made considerable progress in ensuring that Fairtrade products are sold in the shops, cafes and restaurants on our campuses including the students union. Fairtrade products are also available through our vending machines. We also ensure that Fairtrade products are served at all meetings where possible. Details of the outlets that sell Fairtrade products can be found below.
Fairtrade products with the FAIRTRADE Mark can be found in:  
  
- Café Direct – Fletcher Building
- Café Direct – Kimberlin Library
- Cafe Del Marche – Campus Centre Building
- Students Union Level 1 - Campus Centre Building
- Students Union Shop - Campus Centre Building
- Oasis Café – Hugh Aston building

An important step in becoming a Fairtrade University is adopting a Fairtrade Policy. A Fairtrade Policy, which is available below, has been adopted by the both the University and the DSU which sets out the University’s commitment to increase the use of Fairtrade products and to campaign for Fairtrade products in the University. We also have a Fairtrade Steering Group which meets on a regular basis to organise and run awareness raising events.

DMU is also an active member of Leicester Advocates Fairtrade (LaFT). Leicester was one of the first cities to gain Fairtrade City status in 2002.

The overall aim of the LAFT group is to increase awareness and use of Fairtrade products and resources across as wide a group of organisations and individuals as possible to ensure that not only does Leicester retain its Fairtrade City status but that it is also seen as an ethical leader.

More details about their work can be found at www.leicesterfairtrade.org.uk.

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