South Scotland MSP and Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Fairtrade Steering Group Colin Smyth recently presented the Fairtrade Flagship Employer Certificate to Loch Arthur Camphill Community.
Flagship Employer Awards give recognition to the significant contribution that the organisations give to promoting Fairtrade locally. Loch Arthur’s Café offers a range of Fairtrade teas, coffees and juices, its adjoining Farm Shop has an impressive range of products that have the FAIRTRADE mark.
Dumfries and Galloway recently achieved Fair Trade Zone status from the Fairtrade Foundation, and one of the key criteria is to have distinct Fairtrade Flagship Employer. A flagship employer is a significant local workplace that uses Fairtrade products and promotes Fairtrade to customers and staff.
The FAIRTRADE mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. The mark is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide. Using Fairtrade products ensures that farmers and workers across the developing world receive a fair price for the products they produce and the work that they carry out.
Colin Smyth MSP, Chair of the Regional Fairtrade Steering Group said, “On behalf of the Regional Steering Group I would like to thank Loch Arthur Camphill Communtiy for its commitment to Fairtrade. As our region’s Fairtrade Flagship Employer they have played a critical role in Dumfries and Galloway’s successful bid to secure Fairtrade Zone Status for our region. The award highlights how right across Dumfries and Galloway, people have embraced using Fairtrade products and promoted ethical and sustainable produce, supporting some of the world’s poorest communities. In my national role as Convener of the Cross Party Group on Fairtrade at the Scottish Parliament, I know that Dumfries and Galloway is seen as a leading region when it comes to Fairtrade. With public support for Fairtrade at an all time high I would encourage as many businesses and employer as possible across the region to support Fairtrade.
For more information on Fairtrade please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.
