Background

Immersed as a child to a variety of exotic foods and cultures from the Caribbean, Africa, India and the Pacific, ignited the passion for tropical agriculture and exploring how these products were grown.

Visiting developing countries and seeing first-hand the dedication of farmers working under the most appalling conditions, without the luxury of government subsidies, subject to exploitation, and learning what they earn, changed me forever. Instantly, I became a campaigner on behalf of those being oppressed and the plight of the poor.

The initiative for Northern Ireland to become a Fairtrade devolved region is the culmination of 26 years of voluntary action, uniting all sections of society. It was the vision to make this campaign mutually beneficial to the developing world and a legacy for Northern Ireland; creating connections and trade between developing and developed countries for meaningful change and impact.

Two OBJECTIVES

Commitment to the poorest developing world farmers who grow much of the food that cannot be produced locally, but we all consume daily and often take for granted. Fairtrade certified products are grown under the strictest environmental controls and social standards, tackling trade injustice, poverty, human trafficking, child labour, and poor environmental practices;
International acclaim for the creation of global impact, and change through the empowerment for vulnerable developing world farmers. Through the purchase and procurement of Fairtrade certified products we promote best practice, fairer terms of trade, sustainability, market access, and a future for those less fortunate.

Please explore the site and get involved. All sections of society from government, businesses, individuals, charities, schools and places of worship can play their part.

The JOURNEY...

Starting in 1997, monitoring the supply routes of supermarkets and importers of tropical agricultural commodities to the UK and Ireland, both the volume and range of Fairtrade certified products have been expanded exponentially; the highlight being bananas from the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa, the single largest commodity sold by retailers.

Active campaigning, correspondence and meetings with Ministers; Members of Parliament (MPs); Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs); Members of the European Parliament (MEPs); Members of the House of Lords; Councillors; Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); Chief Executives; Chief Executive Officers (CEOs); chairpersons; directors; diplomats; businesses; charities; retailers; supermarkets; schools; places of worship and individuals, led to Fairtrade policy, Fairtrade procurement and tendering guidelines, investment to further expand Fairtrade product lines, Fairtrade producer certification, and the integration of Fairtrade into the National Educational Curriculum (NEC).

Working with all stakeholders, including the UK Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Ireland, the initial focus of attention was directed to the capital city of Belfast, resulting in the first Fairtrade accreditation (City status) in Northern Ireland (2005).

Further Fairtrade accreditation resulted over time but without a regional approach, the consistency and momentum suffered across Northern Ireland. Further challenges were faced through the Review of Public Administration (RPA) both centrally and locally in 2014/5 with the creation of 11 super-councils from the pre-existing 26 local authorities.

The goal was to systematically replicate best practice through a joined up government approach across Northern Ireland to advance Fairtrade accreditation, escalate policy, leading to better awareness and understanding of Fairtrade, ultimately resulting in Fairtrade embedded within society, with the commitment to procurement and purchase of Fairtrade certified products.

Through formation of the All Party Group (APG) on Fairtrade at Stormont, a structure was created through its Secretariat and political representation with a mandate to deliver a regional initiative.

The unique system designed centred on achieving Fairtrade accreditation for each entire local council area (Borough, District or City), while simultaneously capturing all cities and major towns for Fairtrade status through support, guidance and a hands on approach to complete the five required goals. This support extended to ensure subsequent renewal after achieving the Fairtrade thereafter, and for each Department at the central government level the commitments made were implemented with the scope to review and expand.

Sustainable development (Fairtrade) was the portfolio responsibility of The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM) through devolution in 2007. Following a restructuring of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) from 12 to nine Departments in May 2016, sustainable development became the portfolio responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Under section 25 of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, Government Departments and local councils have a statutory duty to promote the achievement of sustainable development in the exercise of their functions, which includes Fairtrade.

The principles of sustainable development have been integrated into the work of all Departments and local councils through the Programme for Government (PfG), NICS Outcomes Delivery Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Northern Ireland now hosts annual Fairtrade Fortnight events with frequent inward visits from Fairtrade certified producers and farmers.

To implement the agreed criteria and plan, it was an honour to be appointed the Secretariat to provide the necessary administrative support and co-ordinate the regional programme.

All party group (APG) on fairtrade

**APG on FAIRTRADE Members and Secretariat with Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM) Jnr Ministers.**

The All Party Group on Fairtrade primary objective is to achieve Fairtrade accreditation for Northern Ireland, as a devolved region. The measurable criteria were agreed in 2012 and implemented in 2013. The criteria are:

All cities and at least 55% of local authorities to have Fairtrade status;
All local authority areas and at least 55% of towns with a population of 6,000 or more to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status;
At least 60% of higher education institutions to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status;
Parliament/Assembly and Government to use, promote and make available Fairtrade products internally, and to actively promote Fairtrade Fortnight each year;
Fairtrade to be promoted in schools through the curriculum, procurement and other possible means;
Schools, Further Education Institutions, Faith Groups, Trade Unions, business networks, voluntary and youth organisations to pledge to use and promote Fairtrade.

Dr Christopher Stange, Consul General - St. Vincent & the Grenadines to Northern Ireland; Secretariat - All Party Group on Fairtrade; Member - Fairtrade Belfast Steering Committee; Member - Ards & North Down Fairtrade Steering Committee; Member - Lisburn & Castlereagh City Fairtrade Steering Committee; Member- Newry, Mourne & Down Fairtrade Steering Committee; Member- Causeway Coast & Glens Fairtrade Steering Committee; Member - Mid Ulster Fairtrade Steering Committee; Member - Mid & East Antrim Fairtrade Steering Committee

2012-2016 Mandate:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Pat Ramsey MLA - SDLP
Vice-Chairperson: Steven Agnew MLA - Green
Secretary: Meagan Fearon MLA - Sinn Féin
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
Anna Lo MLA - Alliance
Clare Sugden MLA - Independent
John Dallat MLA - SDLP
Phil Flanagan MLA - Sinn Féin
David McNarry MLA - UKIP
Robin Swann MLA - UUP

Following Northern Ireland Assembly elections (May 2016) and a new mandate the All Party Group on Fairtrade by legislation was required to be re-constituted. Below are the elected members (June 2016) with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2016-2017 Mandate:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Steven Agnew MLA - Green
Vice-Chairperson: Claire Hanna MLA - SDLP
Secretary: David Ford MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Naomi Long MLA - Alliance
Sammy Douglas MLA - DUP
Jennifer McCann MLA - Sinn Féin
Robin Swann MLA - UUP
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP
Philip Smith MLA - UUP

Following Northern Ireland Assembly elections (March 2017) and a new mandate the All Party Group on Fairtrade by legislation was required to be re-constituted. Below are the elected members (May 2017) with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2017-2022 Mandate:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Steven Agnew MLA - Green
Vice-Chairperson: Claire Hanna MLA - SDLP
Secretary: David Ford MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Naomi Long MLA - Alliance
John Dallat MLA - SDLP
Conor Murphy MLA - Sinn Féin
Robin Swann MLA - UUP
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP

Following the June 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) below are the elected members with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2018-2019:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Steven Agnew MLA - Green
Vice-Chairperson: Claire Hanna MLA - SDLP
Secretary: Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
David Ford MLA - Alliance (Retired); Replaced by John Blair MLA -Alliance (02/07/18)
Naomi Long MLA - Alliance
John Dallat MLA - SDLP
Conor Murphy MLA - Sinn Féin
Emma Rogan MLA - Sinn Féin
Robin Swann MLA - UUP
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP

Following the June 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) below are the elected members with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2019-2020:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Steven Agnew MLA - Green
Vice-Chairperson: Emma Rogan MLA - Sinn Féin
Secretary: Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
John Blair MLA - Alliance
Naomi Long MLA - Alliance (MEP) - Elected to the European Parliament
John Dallat MLA - SDLP
Claire Hanna MLA - SDLP (MP) - Elected to Westminster
Conor Murphy MLA - Sinn Féin
Robin Swann MLA - UUP
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP

Following the return of devolved government in January 2020 below are the elected members with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2020:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: currently vacant (retirement from politics) of Steven Agnew MLA - Green
Vice-Chairperson: Emma Rogan MLA - Sinn Féin
Secretary: Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
John Blair MLA - Alliance
Andrew Muir MLA - Alliance
Paula Bradshaw MLA - Alliance
Harry Harvey MLA - DUP
John Dallat MLA - SDLP (passed away May 05, 2020)
Conor Murphy MLA - Sinn Féin (assumed Ministerial responsibility for Finance)
Robin Swann MLA - UUP (assumed Ministerial responsibility for Health)
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP

Following the October 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) below are the elected members with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2020-2022:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Emma Rogan MLA - Sinn Féin
Vice-Chairperson: Colin McGrath MLA - SDLP
Secretary: Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Jim Wells MLA - DUP

Group Members
Chris Lyttle MLA - Alliance
John Blair MLA - Alliance
Paula Bradshaw MLA - Alliance
Andrew Muir MLA - Alliance
Harry Harvey MLA - DUP
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP
Robin Swann MLA - UUP

Following Northern Ireland Assembly elections (May 2022) and a new mandate the All Party Group on Fairtrade by legislation was required to be re-constituted. Below are the elected members (July 2022) with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2022-2027 Mandate:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Colin McGrath MLA - SDLP
Vice-Chairperson: Harry Harvey MLA - DUP
Secretary: Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Nicola Brogan MLA - Sinn Féin

Group Members
John Blair MLA - Alliance
Brian Kingston MLA - DUP
Cathy Mason MLA - Sinn Féin
Nuala McAllister MLA - Alliance
Gary Middleton MLA - DUP
Andrew Muir MLA - Alliance
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP
Matthew O’Toole MLA - SDLP
Robin Swann MLA - UUP

Following the July 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) below are the elected members with Dr Christopher Stange continuing to serve as the Secretariat and regional co-ordinator:

2023:

Officers of the Group
Chairperson: Colin McGrath MLA - SDLP
Vice-Chairperson: Harry Harvey MLA - DUP
Secretary: Andrew Muir MLA - Alliance
Treasurer: Nicola Brogan MLA - Sinn Féin

Group Members
John Blair MLA - Alliance
Brian Kingston MLA - DUP
Cathy Mason MLA - Sinn Féin
Nuala McAllister MLA - Alliance
Gary Middleton MLA - DUP
Stewart Dickson MLA - Alliance
Mike Nesbitt MLA - UUP
Matthew O’Toole MLA - SDLP
Robin Swann MLA - UUP