Sustainability

  

Joint Press Release: Acadia University and the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU)

Wolfville, NS - Acadia University has been designated a Fair Trade Campus – the first in the Maritimes. The designation, awarded by the Canadian Fair Trade Network, Fairtrade Canada, and the Association québécoise du commerce équitable recognizes Acadia’s commitment to fair trade purchasing and education on its campus. Fair trade is an alternative approach to business that supports producers and communities. Farmers are paid better prices, have decent working conditions and fair business terms.

“Acadia shares many of the same values as the Fair Trade movement, such as community, environmental sustainability and global citizenship so this is a fitting partnership for our campus,” noted Jodie Noiles, Acadia Sustainability Coordinator and Fair Trade Committee Chair.

To earn the designation Acadia worked with its food service partners to meet a variety of requirements. All coffee, at least three teas and one chocolate product in all food service locations on campus must be Fair-Trade certified. Product availability is expected to expand over time, such as sugar or fruit. The campus must also establish a committee to oversee the program, and organize educational events and programs to raise awareness about Fair Trade.

Acadia students have been instrumental in developing the program. In July, the Acadia Students’ Union passed a resolution in support of Fair Trade on campus. “Students are engaging in ethical discussions as part of their education and the Fair Trade program instills the values we learn in the classroom. Paying people fairly for the work they provide is something students support,” said Acadia Students’ Union President Grace Hamilton-Burge.

As part of the new program, Acadia students worked with Just Us! to develop a custom coffee blend for Acadia and host a student contest to create a brand for the new blend. Hacha Java was the winning submission by fourth year Kinesiology student, Quentin Horvath. Hacha means Axe in Spanish, a key symbol in the Acadia community. Chartwells now serves the students’ choice in all its food service operations on campus.

Several other new fair trade products are now available on campus. In partnership with Chartwells, the ASU, and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Café, Acadia is featuring coffee from Just Us!, Roasters and Brown Gold, teas from Just Us! and Traditional Medicinals, and chocolate from Just Us! and Dairy Milk.

The official launch of the Acadia program is Sept. 25^th, kicking off national Fair Trade Campus Week. Events and promotions are scheduled at Wheelock Dining Hall, The Acadia Students’ Union, The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, and the Acadia Community Farm throughout the week.

For more information about the program visit http://sustainability.acadiau.ca/healthy-sustainable-food/fair-trade-campus.html For more information about fair trade visit the Canadian Fair Trade Network at cftn.ca.

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Quotes

“I'm very excited to announce that Acadia University is joining the Fair Trade Campus community as number 27 in Canada and the first in the Maritimes. Just Us Coffee Roasters was instrumental in helping Acadia achieve it’s designation as they worked with students to develop a signature fair trade coffee blend for the campus. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this happen, the fair trade designation is a great achievement as it brings empowerment and justice to the farmers and producers who allow us to have food for our plates and garments for our bodies”

• Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network

“Campuses are a driving force of the fair trade movement in Canada and we’re delighted to welcome Acadia as the latest member! What an incredible way to start Fair Trade Campus Week than by having the opportunity to congratulate the Maritimes’ first Fair Trade Campus! When choosing Fairtrade products, you support farmers and workers as they work to improve their lives and their communities. Congratulations and thank you!”

• Mélissa Dubé, Outreach and Marketing Manager, Fairtrade Canada

"Congratulations to Acadia University for becoming Canada's 27th Fair Trade Campus, and the first in the Maritimes! Getting this designation is further evidence of the strong vitality of the fair trade movement in your community, after having Wolfville named as the first Fair Trade Town in Canada, 10 years ago." 

• Loïc de Fabritus, Project Manager, Association québécoise du commerce équitable

 

Contact:

Jodie Noiles,
Sustainability Coordinator
Acadia Sustainability Office
52 University Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
T: 902-585-1932 E: jodie.noiles@acadiau.ca