Monash becomes a Fair Trade University

On the 5th July 2011, Monash became Australia's fourth Fairtrade University, along with Macquarie, RMIT and La Trobe. This was a step strongly supported by the University Senior Management and the Student Unions.  Monash was commended by the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ), who acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the students, staff and business associates.

The Senior Management Team (Environment), MONSU, MUGSU and MSA each signed resolutions to support fair trade though their operations.  Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available in tea rooms, at meetings and for functions.  The Senior Management Team (Environment) also resolved to support locally sourced, sustainable products.

Fairtrade is about delivering better prices and conditions for workers, promoting local sustainability, and supporting fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.  It works to address the injustices that are associated with many areas of conventional trade, and enables people to “improve their position and have more control over their lives.”  http://www.fta.org.au/about

Jasper , who provide Fairtrade coffee to Monash via Corporate Express, believe that Fair Trade is about humanising the coffee supply chain. They also select their tea, coffee and chocolate   with respect to how the product is grown and harvested, preferring organic and shade grown conditions (preserving vital habitats). 

FTAANZ look forward to working with Monash University to support the fair trade movement and encourage the replacement of other brands with Fairtrade coffee, tea, hot chocolate and merchandise.  The University will submit an annual report to the body to demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for Fair Trade.

Faculties and Divisions can support Fair Trade by hosting a Fair Trade Morning Tea with the support of the Office of Environmental Sustainability or purchasing Fairtrade products though campus outlets and preferred suppliers. http://fsd.monash.edu.au/environmental-sustainability/environmental-issues/fairtrade-monash