University of Turku Awarded Title of Fairtrade University

​Receiving the title requires that approximately a half of the faculties and the student union are committed to using Fairtrade coffee and tea. At the University of Turku, all faculties and units decided to adopt Fairtrade coffee and tea. The Student Union of the University of Turku had already made the decision earlier. The challenge has been accepted by a third of student organisations on all levels.

– Receiving the title is a great accomplishment in itself. However, the University of Turku decided to go the extra mile, and the minimum requirements were covered already in the application phase. I hope that the title encourages the University to develop the fairness of its purchases in the future as well, says Fairtrade Finland's Executive Director Janne Sivonen.

The fair trade system was established to improve the situation of developing countries’ farmers in international trade. Fair trade producers are paid a price that covers the costs of sustainable production. Part of the additional income is used on projects that benefit the entire community. Fair trade sets strict environmental criteria on farming and forbids forced labour and child labour exploitation.

– Applying for a Fairtrade University title is also taking a stand in favour of sustainable development. Fair trade means being fair not only to the producers and workers, but also to the environment, says the University's Chief Financial Officer Siru Helminen.

Receiving the title has required a joint commitment to the cause by the University, the Student Union, and the campus restaurants.

– The principles of a Fairtrade University include the continuous development of operations, and the University is committed to that. A Fairtrade working group was established in the spring of 2018 to consider how University purchases could be focused increasingly on Fairtrade products. I hope that this makes us more aware of the principles of sustainable development and the Fairtrade association's operations, says Helminen.

In the working group, University and Student Union representatives collaboratively find ways to promote Fairtrade products in University purchases.

– The Fairtrade title shows that the University acknowledges the influence of our consumption habits on developing countries and their economies. I am delighted and proud of the fact that my University has expressed its willingness to promote sustainable development and more ethical world trade by committing to the use of Fairtrade products, says Chair of the University’s Fairtrade working group Maija Talja.

Text: Erja Hyytiäinen
Translation: Mikko Suhonen