The Fairtrade flag is flying at the Civic Centre in Motherwell to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 9 to 22 September.
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy was joined by P5 pupils from nearby Glencairn Primary School to raise the flag and mark the area’s success in regaining Fairtrade status.
This year’s campaign also marks the 30th anniversary of the Fairtrade brand, which aims to ensure producers are paid a fair price for their goods, enabling them to improve their living standards, invest in their communities and businesses, and protect the environment.
North Lanarkshire first gained Fairtrade Zone status in 2020 and again in May this year, with Wishaw also receiving community status in May. Support is organised through a steering group, run by local residents and supported by the council, which has pledged its commitment to the International Fairtrade Charter. Members of the steering group and Scottish Fair Trade also attended the flag raising.
There are also localised zones and town status in Airdrie, Motherwell and Wishaw, with work underway to gain the status in Croy and Kilsyth.
“We are very proud to have North Lanarkshire’s Fairtrade status renewed as it recognises the excellent work being done in schools, churches, businesses and community groups across the area to support farmers and workers around the world,” said Provost Kenneth Duffy.
“The Glencairn pupils who joined me to raise the flag had made a banner and posters as part of the work they’ve been doing in class. They are also more than 2,000 primary school children taking part in an enterprise project about Fairtrade as part of the North Lanarkshire Pathways Dynamic Drinks Challenge.
“I would encourage local residents to support Fairtrade where they can and help us expand the initiative across more communities in North Lanarkshire.”
Pupils at Glencairn Primary School are backing Fairtrade.
Mylie said: "Fairtrade is all over the word and allows farmers to receive a fair price for their work."
Fred added: "Farmers are in the front line of fighting climate change."
Fairtrade coffee, tea and other products are available in the council’s cafes, leisure and community facilities. Local schools support the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign, and the council has created a bespoke online education platform with resources to support learning in primary schools.
New College Lanarkshire has incorporated Fairtrade themes into Global Citizenship studies for supported learning students who also run a shop on the Motherwell campus selling a range of products.
Any individual, group or business interested in supporting Fairtrade initiatives in North Lanarkshire, please contact Fairtrade@northlan.gov.uk or follow local activity on X (formerly Twitter) - @FairtradeNLan
For more information, visit Fair Trade (northlanarkshire.gov.uk) www.fairtrade.org.uk/ or www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk/