York celebrates 20 years as a Fairtrade City

York became a Fairtrade City in 2004 thanks to the efforts of a band of dedicated fair trade activists.

York’s Fair Trade Forum is kicking off the celebrations of this momentous achievement with an exhibition in the upper corridor at City Screen.

To achieve the status of Fairtrade City, they had to persuade City of York Council to pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade and to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its canteens; make sure a number of York's shops and cafés offered Fairtrade products; and set up a steering group (York Fair Trade Forum) to ensure continued commitment.

The current Forum Chair Kathryn Tissiman was one of the founding group:

"We were so excited to be told by the Fairtrade Foundation that York had earned their Fairtrade City status, and I’m incredibly proud that we still hold it 20 years on. Fair trade is even more important now than it was then, especially when so many of the people who produce fair trade goods are threatened by the current climate emergency."

The Fairtrade scheme means producers are paid a guaranteed minimum price as well as an extra premium which they can spend to improve life for their communities, such as new schools or housing. They also get better working rights and conditions.

As Kathryn explains: "Many products are available under the Fairtrade banner including bananas, coffee and tea, chocolate, cotton and jewellery. Just look out for the Fairtrade logo in shops."

York has two dedicated fair trade shops - Fairer World on Gillygate and Shared Earth on Minster Gates.

Kathryn adds: "York Fair Trade Forum is a group of volunteers that promotes the understanding of fair trade and its benefits. We’re very grateful to City Screen for giving us space for our exhibition, which traces the global origins and impact of fair trade, and the Forum’s recent activities. It includes some posters created by children at Hempland and Cawood schools to mark this 20th anniversary."

Other anniversary celebrations organised by the Forum later this year include an invitation-only event at the Mansion House with many local fair trade activists among the guests, stalls at local events and a film showing at South Bank Community cinema.

The Forum always welcomes new members. Email contact@fairtradeyork.org.uk for more information.