The University of Northampton has been accredited with Fairtrade University status, having its application noted as 'excellent' by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Work on the University's Fairtrade accreditation commenced in May 2008, led by a project team coordinated by Paul R Taylor, Sustainability Officer. He commented: "The University of Northampton has worked hard to achieve this status and it is a fantastic milestone for us. Fairtrade guarantees producers in developing countries a fair and stable price for their products that covers their costs and enables them to support their families and invest in a better future."

To be accredited with Fairtrade University status, The University of Northampton had to achieve five goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation:

1)    A Fairtrade Steering Group has been set up.

2)    The University and the Students' Union have written and approved a Fairtrade policy, encompassing all five goals.

3)    A range of Fairtrade products have been made available for purchase in all campus restaurants, shops and the Students' Union catering outlets.

4)    Fairtrade tea and coffee are available through the University's hospitality catering for use in meetings, offices and events.

5)    There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus, to provide information and to promote the sale of Fairtrade products.

The University received 'excellent' feedback from the Fairtrade Foundation for its attainment of the goals, and official Fairtrade status is being marked during National Student Volunteering Week (22 - 28 February) and during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 (22 February - 7 March).

The University hosted a 'Swap It' event on Tuesday 23 February in the Library foyer, Park Campus where students and staff were encouraged to swap their usual products for Fairtrade products. Each swap helped to show that members of the University want producers in the developing world to get a fairer deal.

Fairtrade Fortnight is the annual nationwide campaign to promote awareness of Fairtrade and encourage people to buy products which carry the FAIRTRADE Mark in order to help farmers in developing countries. The theme of Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 is The Big Swap.