Fairtrade at University of Southampton

• Why buy Fairtrade
• Fairtrade at the University of Southampton
• Trade Justice
• PURE
• Southampton City
• Further Information

Why buy Fairtrade

Fairtrade does what it says on the label; it guarantees a better deal to producers in the developing world – a Fair trade.

This means a stable price, which covers their production costs, along with a premium, that their organisation will be able to reinvest either in the business or social and environmental schemes among the wider community.

Too many farmers in the developing world have to contend with fluctuating prices that may not even cover what it costs to produce their crop.

For a few extra pence paid by the consumer Fairtrade can make a big impact on the day-to-day life of millions of third world farmers as well as their, and their families, futures.

For a more detailed look at the benefits of Fairtrade and to get an understanding of how Fairtrade works visit the Fairtrade Foundation Website.

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Fairtrade at the University of Southampton

Both Southampton University and the Students' Union are committed to supporting, using and promoting Fairtrade wherever possible and are working towards being accredited with Fairtrade status by the Fairtrade Foundation.

In October 2003 a motion was proposed by PURE and passed by the Students' Union council which has lead to the following:

• The Students' Union and the University have created a Fairtrade policy
• Fairtrade products have been made available in all shops and cafes across each campus that are part of either the University or Students' Union
• Fairtrade food and drinks are served at all meetings hosted by the University and the Students' Union, including management offices.
• Campaigns are run regularly to educate, increase awareness and promote Fairtrade.
• A Fairtrade Steering Group has been established to oversee the implementation and advancement of these aims.

Both the Students' Union and the University are working towards furthering these goals. 

Fairtrade Statement:

"Fair trade is an issue that both students and staff alike are committed to at the University of Southampton. The University of Southampton and Southampton University Students' Union (SUSU) assigns great importance to the University's role within the international community.

We are therefore committed to promoting social responsibility through issues such as trade justice, which we can all directly affect. This will be achieved by reaching and maintaining Fairtrade status as defined by the Fairtrade Foundation."

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Trade Justice

Fairtrade isn't charity; it is a way of doing business that is fair to both the producer and consumer.  However, Fairtrade only affects a small proportion of struggling third world producers.  

More is needed – trade rules need to be altered to allow for fairness and justice to be restored.  This is one of the main aims of the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign, which we also endorse and promote.

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PURE

PURE is a society at Southampton University that was set up in late 2002 to campaign for, amongst other things, Fairtrade.  PURE stands for 'Promoting a Universal Rights Ethos' and aims to be a positive influence for change. PURE was awarded the ‘'Best Society 2005' award, along with a ‘'Student Community Action' award in recognition of its work to further the Fairtrade campaign. For more details on PURE, or to get involved you can visit their website.

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Southampton City

In March 2004 Southampton was awarded Fairtrade City status. All those involved in the campaign worked in partnership to put in place the following criteria:

• Support from the City Council
• A range of Fairtrade goods readily available in local shops, restaurants and cafes.
• Fairtrade products in use by a number of local workplaces and community groups.
• Media coverage and popular support.
• A local Fairtrade working group.

Although Southampton is now officially a Fairtrade City, the campaign continues to work on increasing awareness of fair trade issues and mainstreaming the availability of Fairtrade products.
For more information go to the Southampton City Council Fairtrade website. 

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Further information

If you want to get involved with Fair Trade at Southampton or simply want to find out more about what it all means contact PURE or visit them at their Market stall, every Monday in the Students' Union concourse.

You can also visit the Oxfam and Fairtrade Foundation websites for more information on Fairtrade.

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