Countdown to International Fair Trade Towns Conference begins!

The countdown has begun.  A year today, Bristol will host the 9th International Fair Trade Towns Conference.

On July 4th & 5th, up to 400 delegates from across the world will descend on Bristol under the conference theme of ‘Fair Trade For Sustainability’.  A wide-range of related topics will be discussed from the importance of sustainable food to the impact of climate change and the global post 2015 development goals.

Some of the best speakers in the Fair Trade movement will provide new insights and analysis of the Fair Trade sector alongside diverse opinions from leading ethical business brands, Fair Trade Town representatives and Fairtrade farmers from the south, including a Fairtrade gold miner.

With a range of formats including panel discussions, keynotes, ‘Ted talks’ type presentations and speed networking, as well as a lively Fair Trade marketplace, the conference will provide a complete overview of current practices and debates on Fair Trade.  

Nearly half of those attending are expected to come from Europe.  In addition, the US, Japan and Brazil are amongst the wider emerging Fairtrade markets expected to be represented.

Bristol and South West Fairtrade Coordinator, Jenny Foster, said:

‘Next year is cause for double celebrations across the city.  As well as Bristol being crowned the 2015 European Green capital, it also marks a decade since Bristol became a Fairtrade city.  This is a fantastic opportunity for Bristol to demonstrate to the world that it is a true leader on ethical business, green issues and sustainability’.

Fairtrade represents a positive ethical standard. There are now over 1300 Fairtrade towns in 22 countries worldwide.  Fairtrade sales have doubled year on year since 2003, and consumer trust has now reached 90%.  Through guaranteeing a fair and living wage for small scale farmers in developing countries, Fairtrade is also an excellent anti-poverty tool which supports sustainable farming methods across the globe.