Scotland’s Minister for International Development and Europe announced on Wednesday 1 March that Scotland has been assessed as a Fair Trade Nation once more.
Scotland gained Fair Trade Nation status in 2013 but the reassessment confirms the ongoing progress Scotland has made in its commitment to supporting and purchasing Fair Trade over the past four years.
In polling carried out as part of the reassessment process, 43% of consumers reported that they bought more Fair Trade products in 2016 than in the preceding year.
The reassessment analysis also shows that there has been a 30% increase in the number of towns with Fairtrade status, rising to 65 in 2016.
75% of local authority areas now have Fair Trade status with 70% of higher education institutions and 505 schools (approximately 20%) achieving the standard.
Scotland was only the second nation in the world, after Wales, to achieve Fair Trade Nation status in 2013 and support sales of products that offer a better deal to workers in developing countries.
International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said:
“The reassessment of Scotland’s status as a Fair Trade Nation demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting those in the developing world who need our help and ensures producers get a fair price for their goods.
“I am delighted that more Scots are choosing Fair Trade, clearly there is an increased public demand for fair trade products. This is good news for our towns and cities that are gaining fair trade status. It demonstrates our compassion and care or the global community.”
Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum said:
“Having Scotland’s Fair Trade Nation status affirmed once more shows that Fair Trade campaigners across Scotland have continued to work tirelessly to consolidate on past achievements and make further progress towards ensuring support for Fairtrade continues to grow.”
The reassessment report, Can Scotland Still Call Itself A Fair Trade Nation?, is available here.
