At a Council meeting in 2003 a motion was passed stating that “The Highland Council supports the principle of Fairtrade and sustainable production and accordingly wishes to see all tea and coffee that is provided at official meetings brought under a recognised Fairtrade label or equivalent.”
On 13 December, 2007 a report was submitted to the Council which confirmed that the Council has made progress towards Fair Trade Council status and a number of towns within Highland already had Fair Trade status.
The Council agreed to confirm its corporate commitment to the initiative and agreed that a small Working Group be established comprising Mrs M Paterson, Mr D Mackay, Mr H Wood, Mrs J Urquhart and Mrs B McAllister to look at progressing Fairtrade status for the Council area as a whole.
Action to date
The group has:
- Arranged Fairtrade lunch arrange for members during fairtrade fortnight
- Undertaken an internal audit has been undertaken to ensure that all tea/coffee being served at official meetings is fairtrade
- Written a number of organisations and companies seeking their support