Since 2005, Fairtrade Guernsey has campaigned for the rights of farmers and workers in lower income countries, who are often poorly paid and living on the frontline of the climate crisis. Our role is to raise awareness of the Fairtrade movement, to increase the range, volume and visibility of Fairtrade-certified products available to islanders, and to demonstrate how making the choice to buy Fairtrade can bring concrete benefits to the farmers and workers producing some of the things we most love to eat, drink and wear.
Although Guernsey is a small country, we want to play our part in creating a better world, at home and further afield.
In March 2005, the States of Guernsey passed a Requête that committed the Bailiwick’s government to supporting Fairtrade and raising awareness of the Mark throughout its operations. This motion, together with a public wave of support that led to over 100 local businesses and community organisations signing up as Fairtrade supporters, paved the way for Guernsey to be awarded Fairtrade Island Status by the Fairtrade Foundation in March 2006.
Fairtrade is represented within the States of Guernsey by the Overseas Aid and Development Commission (GOADC), which champions Fairtrade across all other government departments. Through its grant funding programme, GOADC has also supported Fairtrade initiatives in producer countries, assisting artisanal gold miners and smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda with equipment and educational radio programmes.
The Fairtrade Guernsey Steering Group is a small but committed group of volunteers representing a cross-section of island life, from education, churches and other community organisations to retail, wholesale and hospitality. The group is an unincorporated association, registered with the Guernsey Registry as a Not-for-Profit Organisation No. NP256 and with the Association of Guernsey Charities number 453. Its stated aims are to:
- Promote the concept of Fairtrade
- Raise awareness of the Fairtrade Mark among businesses, retailers, employers and the general public in Guernsey
- Increase sales of Fairtrade products in Guernsey
- Achieve and maintain for Guernsey the status of Fairtrade Island, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Fairtrade Foundation
The group meets quarterly to coordinate campaigning activities and participation is open to anyone with an interest supporting fairness and justice for farmers and workers. Head over to our Events page or Contact Us for details of our next meeting.
Current Officers
Patron – Sir Richard Collas
Chair – Sean McManus
Treasurer – Phil Soulsby
Secretary – Hannah Davis
Assistant Secretary – Louise Hesse
