A SURVEY commissioned by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum has found that a record number of people in Scotland are aware of Fair Trade than in previous years.
This survey results come in the year Scotland achieved Fair Trade Nation status.
Says a spokesperson: “In just over eight years, awareness of Fair Trade has grown among people in Scotland from 64 per cent in 2006 to 87 per cent in 2013, according to an online poll carried out by Progressive Scottish Opinion among 1,071 adults.
“The poll also shows more people are purchasing Fair Trade products a few times a month: 36 per cent in 2013 compared with 20 per cent in 2011.”
Minister for International Development, Humza Yousaf, said: “These poll results show that more and more people in Scotland are committed to making a difference through everyday choices, sometimes as simple as the biscuits or coffee that they shop for.
“Clearly, people are now more aware of what actions they can take as good global citizens, and many are making sure that the less fortunate receive a fair price and fair working conditions.
“I’m proud of Scotland’s Fair Trade Nation status and every person, business and organisation that has embraced Fair Trade principles and switched to Fair Trade products.
“They can be proud of the part they have played in improving many thousands of people’s lives in some of the poorest parts of the world.”
There are now hundreds of community based groups in Scotland’s villages, towns, cities, schools, colleges and universities promoting Fair Trade. East Dunbartonshire recently piloted a Fair Trade nurseries project.
Said Martin Rhodes, director, Scottish Fair Trade Forum: “Since the early beginning of Fair Trade in the 1960s, grassroots campaigners have spearheaded much of the work that motivated communities to recognise issues of justice and fairness in trading with producers.
“This has ensured that Scotland is at the forefront of the movement by being one of the first countries to achieve Fair Trade Nation status. This new polling evidence shows that Fair Trade is still moving forward in Scotland.”
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For all enquiries and more information, contact 0131 226 6162 or email: admin@sftf.org.uk
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Editor’s Notes
Fieldwork was conducted online between 7th and 10th June 2013. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).
Founded in 2007, the Scottish Fair Trade Forum is dedicated to helping Scotland become one of the world’s first Fair Trade Nations. Through its work with the Fairtrade Foundation and other Fair Trade bodies in the UK and beyond, the organisation engages directly with dozens of Fair Trade groups, schools, universities, local authorities and others to support ongoing fair trade activity and encourage it to grow stronger.
The Scottish Fair Trade Forum is a Scottish charity (SC039883) and a Scottish company (SC337384). Registered office: Thistle Court, 1-2 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DD.
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Email: admin@sftf.org.uk
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