Thanks to the work of staff and students across the University and Kent Union, the University has successfully renewed its Fairtrade Status for a further 2 years.

By committing to Fairtrade thorough its Fairtrade Policy the University is demonstrating that it recognises its global responsibility.

Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalised by the conventional trading system. If fair access to markets under better trade conditions would help them to overcome barriers to development, they can join Fairtrade.

The University of Kent has held Fairtrade Status since 2006. A Fairtrade University is one that has made a commitment to supporting and using Fairtrade. They ensure that Fairtrade products are available in as many places as possible and they raise awareness of Fairtrade and the benefits that it brings to producers in developing countries with students and staff.

The University’s Fairtrade Steering Group is made up of representatives from Commercial Services, Kent Union and the wider University as well as student members and as a group they are responsible for ensuring the continuation of the University’s Fairtrade Status.

For more information about Fairtrade at Kent or to get involved please visit http://www.kent.ac.uk/estates/sustainability/projects-and-events/index.html?tab=fairtrade