What Fairtrade is
Fairtrade helps producers, farmers, and workers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions, fair pay, and sustainable working environments.
With simple shopping choices you can get them a better deal - meaning they can make their own decisions, control their futures, and lead the dignified life everyone deserves.
Products with the Fairtrade mark are guaranteed to have:
- minimum price paid to cover the cost of sustainable production
- a Fairtrade Premium - an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund for workers and farmers to use to improve their communities.
Fairtrade in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire Council is proud to support Fairtrade across Renfrewshire, in partnership with a range of local organisations. We are fully committed to fairness and sustainability both at home and abroad.
Renfrewshire first achieved Fairtrade Zone status in 2009, after a campaign led by Renfrewshire Council and involving local Fairtrade groups, schools, churches, and businesses.
Local campaigning continues to increase awareness of fair trade within Renfrewshire and support the ongoing accreditation of the area's Fairtrade Community status.
Renfrewshire's current Fairtrade Community status runs until November 2026.
Towns and schools in Renfrewshire are encouraged to earn Fairtrade status through the Fairtrade Communities and Fairtrade Schools awards.
If you would like more information about campaigning in Renfrewshire, contact us on fairtrade@renfrewshire.gov.uk and we’ll put you in touch with local campaigners.
Fairtrade in schools
We encourage schools to become Fairtrade Schools.
Becoming a Fairtrade School means joining a worldwide movement where young people learn that whatever their age, they have the power to make a difference in the world.
It’s an opportunity to look at global issues such as where our food comes from or how we are connected to people around the world.
Students can learn about:
- different countries and cultures
- the economics of international trade
- the importance of social responsibility.
They can also learn a range of skills like:
- teamwork and co-operation
- persuasive writing
- running a stall or tuck shop.
Fairtrade School status
Fairtrade School status is awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation.
There are three stages to becoming a Fairtrade School:
- FairAware
- FairActive
- FairAchiever (equivalent to previous Fairtrade Schools award)
Each of these three stages will help your school learn about Fairtrade and get pupils actively involved in the promotion and awareness of Fairtrade.
Teaching about Fairtrade also fits different curriculum areas, especially Geography, Citizenship and PSHE.
You can find out about becoming a Fairtrade school or find teaching resources on the Fairtrade website.
Other Fairtrade organisations
The Fairtrade Foundation
Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profit organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products in the UK in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards.
Scottish Fair Trade
The Scottish Fair Trade brings together Fairtrade campaigners, Scotland-based NGOs and the Scottish Government, to promote Fair Trade across Scotland and maintain Scotland's status as a Fairtrade Nation.
Scottish Government International Development
The Scottish Government has provided funding for Scottish Fair Trade since 2010, to support and promote fair trade in Scotland, with the aim of achieving and maintaining Fair Trade Nation status.
You can read more about global solidarity and citizenship in the Scottish Government’s International Development policy.
Global Goals for Sustainable Development in Scotland
SDG Network Scotland is an open coalition in Scotland. They’re for anyone committed to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Scotland, which was one of the first nations to sign up to the Goals.
World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO)
The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) is a global authority on Fair Trade and a guardian of Fairtrade values and principles. It’s the home of fair traders including producers, marketers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, and retailers that demonstrate 100% commitment to Fair Trade and apply the 10 WFTO Principles of Fair Trade to their supply chain.
World Fair Trade Organisation website
Rainbow Turtle
Rainbow Turtle is Renfrewshire's only dedicated Fair Trade shop. The Rainbow Turtle volunteers support schools, businesses, and community groups to sell or serve Fairtrade goods at events or via their tuck shops and canteens. It also offers a range of educational resources.
True Origin
True Origin is a Fairtrade import and wholesale company owned by the charitable Balmore Trust. It has helped establish supply chains for hundreds of Fairtrade products securing much needed employment in developing countries. Based in Renfrewshire, True Origin is turning around the fortunes of farmers in Malawi through its 90kg Rice Challenge. Get your challenge underway.