Marie Rumsby, Advocacy Director at the Fairtrade Foundation, said:

“As communities across the UK prepare for May’s local and devolved elections, Fairtrade is encouraging supporters and campaigners to champion our core values: fairness, dignity, and the right of every person to shape their own future.

Across the UK, thousands of people in Fairtrade Towns and Cities to Fairtrade Universities, Schools and Faith Groups are already putting these values into action every day in their local community and working locally to create global change.

These efforts show how powerful community-led action such as raising awareness to influencing local procurement, hosting events and building partnerships can be in standing with farmers and workers around the world. 

For more than 30 years, Fairtrade has worked alongside farmers and workers, brands and retailers, and Fair Trade organisations across the UK to strengthen resilience and open up opportunities in some of the world’s most challenging supply chains. Fairtrade local communities have been central to this progress, helping embed fairer choices in local institutions, councils, and public spaces.

Local decisions help shape the places we live, the services we rely on, and the conditions in which responsible businesses operate. That’s why we encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to take part in the democratic process this May, because every vote matters. 

Fairtrade’s focus remains on ensuring farmers and workers in low and middle income countries earn enough to afford a decent standard of living and work in safe and dignified conditions. 

We are proud of our Fairtrade Communities who work year-round to embed these values locally and inspire others to take action. 

To learn more about how Fairtrade works with communities across the UK year-round and how you can get involved, explore our resources and join the movement.”

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