Here at Aberystwyth, both the Guild and the University have made a commitment to Fairtrade products and support the foundation by meeting 5 goals:

1. To create a Fairtrade policy
2. To use Fairtrade products in all cafes / restaurants and bars on campus
3. To serve Fairtrade products (eg. tea and coffee) at all University and Guild meetings
4. To campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus
5. To set up a Fairtrade steering group

Our commitment to these goals has led to the award of 'Fairtrade status' to the University:

On Monday 12 October, Aberystwyth University graduate and Guild officer, Tom Marshall attended a tea party at 10 Downing Street to mark the awarding of Fairtrade status to the University.   Tom, who graduated with a degree in International Politics in July 2009, was the Environment and Ethics officer at the Aberystwyth Guild of Students during 2008/9 and played a leading role in the campaign to make Aberystwyth a Fairtrade University.
Aberystwyth University is the 100th university/colleges to be awarded Fairtrade status, an honour it shares with Herriot-Watt University and Myerscough College in Lancashire. The London event, which is being hosted by Sarah Brown, also marks the 15th anniversary of the arrival of the first three Faritrade-certified products in UK shops.
Whilst Tom will be enjoying his Downing Street tea, Ceredigion MP Mark Williams will join staff and students at the Aberystwyth Guild of Students to celebrate the achievement.

Dr John Harries, Pro Vice Chancellor at Aberystwyth said; “Aberystwyth University is very pleased to have been awarded Fairtrade status. Through our catering outlets and delivered catering services, we make Fairtrade products readily available to staff, students, conference organisers and delegates. Our Fairtrade provision is important in helping to raise awareness amongst our students and staff and visitors to the University of the need to ensure a better future for producers in the developing world”.

Jon Antoniazzi, President of the Aberystwyth Guild of Students said;
“Here at the Guild of Students, we are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Fairtrade status for Aberystwyth University, and proud to share this celebration with the Fairtrade Foundation’s anniversary. The Fairtrade movement is of vital importance for the future of ethical trading, and is something that our students are enthusiastic to both promote and support.”

The Fairtrade Universities and Colleges scheme started in 2003. In order to become a Fairtrade university staff and students must make a commitment to supporting Fairtrade. This includes ensuring that Fairtrade products are available in on-site cafes, restaurants and shops wherever possible, and raising awareness of Fairtrade and the benefits it brings to producers in developing countries.

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation said;
“I am delighted to welcome Aberystwyth University to the growing number of universities and colleges which are spreading the Fairtrade message. Thousands of young people pass through the doors of universities and colleges every year and many already care passionately about Fairtrade. Fairtrade status gives them a chance to demonstrate the value of Fairtrade to other students and helps university and college staff make a real difference to people in developing countries around the world.”