The York Fair Trade Forum was responsible for the first campaign to make York a Fairtrade City in 2004. The accolade has continued to be achieved since then with the 20th anniversary recently celebrated. 

In March 2014, Hugh Bayley MP tabled an Early Day Motion recognising the achievement of the City of York in celebrating a decade of being a Fairtrade City. The text was as follows: That this House recognises the achievement of the City of York in celebrating 10 years of being a Fairtrade city; commends the hard work and distinct changes that local shops, schools, businesses and universities have made to achieve York’s Fairtrade status; acknowledges the consistent work that York Fair Trade Forum—a voluntary organisation helping to sustain York’s Fairtrade city status and create awareness in communities throughout York—does to make people more aware of Fairtrade and to support it; highlights the city’s awareness and value of ensuring sustainable development for farmers and other producers globally; notes that more still needs to be achieved to create fairness for developing workers across the globe; and looks forward to many more decades of Fairtrade support and awareness in York and elsewhere in the UK.

What is the criteria for a Fairtrade community?

1. The City Council has to support the Fairtrade status

The City Council has to pass a motion in support of Fairtrade & agree to serve Fairtrade drinks at its meetings. Catering outlets on Council property are encouraged to stock Fairtrade goods and serve Fairtrade drinks.

The Council elects one Councillor to sit on the Fairtrade City Steering group. In 2023, Councillor Tony Clarke was elected.

2. Caterers and retailers

A significant percentage of retailers and caterers across the city must stock at least 4 different types of Fairtrade goods or serve Fairtrade drinks & food. In York we have well over the number required.

3. Fairtrade in the community

Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places, faith groups and educational establishments. A number of large employers in the city offer their staff Fairtrade products. York has a large number of Fairtrade churches and a number of local schools have achieved Fairtrade school status.

4. The Fairtrade city must attract media attention

The York Fair Trade Forum regularly briefs the media on new developments for Fairtrade in the city. We contact the Press, magazines, radio stations and other websites.

5. There must be a Fairtrade City Steering Group

The Steering Group in York has representatives from the retail sector, campaigning organisations, church & community groups. The Steering Group raises public recognition of York as a Fairtrade City.