Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Growing interest in Fairtrade fruit and vegetables
Pupils at Buchanan High showed they have an appetite for supporting Fairtrade as they welcomed visitors to learn more about helping farmers and families in the developing world.
Youngsters at the Coatbridge school had a visit from fruit and vegetable wholesaler and supplier George Carruthers and Sons, who gave them the chance to taste a variety of Fairtrade produce.
The pupils found out more about how Fairtrade ensures those producing goods are paid a fair price, and how it assists farmers, workers, producers, their families and communities with better deals and using methods that encourage sustainability.
Head of social subjects John Kennedy said: “We have a Fairtrade committee in the school, who organise our Fairtrade coffee shop and tuck shop during Fairtrade fortnight.
“We’re also proud to have Fairtrade as part of our modern studies course.
“We want to encourage pupils’ understanding of their wider environment and how their actions can improve the quality of life in the developing countries.”
The visit was part of the current programme of work to earn Fairtrade status for North Lanarkshire, through projects including demonstrating that the area’s shops, restaurants and bars sell Fairtrade products, which are used by businesses, clubs and social groups.
Airdrie gained the accolade in 2015, recognising locals’ efforts to use goods including tea, coffee, sugar, chocolate and bananas where producers in developing countries are appropriately paid.
North Lanarkshire set up a Fairtrade steering group in October 2018 to help work towards earning the Fairtrade zone status; its members include Airdrie Academy pupils, Airdrie North councillor Alan Beveridge, and representatives of community councils, businesses, faith groups, colleges and North Lanarkshire’s youth forum.
The council has also agreed to promote Fairtrade items in refreshment areas and with local retailers and businesses, support the Fairtrade towns initiative and give annual Fairtrade fortnight, and backed an international charter raising awareness of Fairtrade and acknowledging its positive impact.
Steering group chair John McDonald said: “We have power in our hands to make choices that help others to have better lives – Fairtrade challenges people to think about the source of goods we buy, and we can all make a difference.”