Did you know, Lincoln has Fairtrade City status?
The city council has a Fairtrade policy to raise awareness and encourage the promotion and procurement of Fairtrade products. A Fairtrade working group meets regularly.
The Lincoln Food Partnership is about tackling poverty and promoting sustainability, as is Fairtrade.
Councillor Gary Hewson, Fairtrade spokesperson for the City of Lincoln Council, said:
“One of our priorities is to reduce inequality in the city and we want to extend that to reach the vision of a world where justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices.”
Fairtrade increases standards of living and reduces risk and vulnerability for farmers and workers.
Fairtrade standards protect workers’ rights, which include a safe working environment and the right to join a trade union and negotiate with their employer, thus prohibiting discrimination and forced or illegal child labour.
Environmental protection is key. Fairtrade standards require smallholder farmer and larger hired labour production set ups to comply in areas such as: energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction; soil and water quality; pest management; and biodiversity protection.
Over 50 per cent of all Fairtrade-certified producers are also certified as organic.
Fairtrade standards also prohibit certain agrochemicals that harm the environment and health. They ensure that protective equipment is used and that farms are free from hazardous waste.
Farmers are advised on environmentally friendly practices, such as developing nutrient-rich soils and encouraging wildlife to help control pests and diseases – all good for environmentally sustainable food production.
It’s not just Fairtrade tea and coffee that you can buy, as there is also Fairtrade jewellery and cotton. So, when you are shopping, be sure to look out for the Fairtrade logo and ask for Fairtrade products.
Get more information by visiting fairtrade.org.uk and lincolnfairtrade.com
How is Lincoln supporting global food justice through Fair Trade?
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