UCSD Fair Trade Status Celebrated

David Funkhouser, Marye Ann Fox

Francisco and David

David, Paul, Francisco, and students

On Wednesday, October 20, 2010, UCSD was officially recognized for having attained Fair Trade University status. David Funkhauser of FairTradeUSA (formerly Transfair USA) awarded a Fair Trade Universities Certificate to Dr. Marye Anne Fox, Chancellor of UCSD. This campus is the first Fair Trade University in California and the second in the nation! Several faculty and former students (now graduated) who had worked over 6 years to see this happen were also present and applauded. Housing and Dining Services personnel were recognized for their participation and perseverance in accomplishing this milestone. Paul Rice, CEO of FairTradeUSA spoke briefly, saying how important Fair Trade is in helping people in communities (in developing countries) develop their own solutions to poverty.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity to meet and hear from Francisco Ferreira, a Paraguayan sugar producer, all of whose sugar is sold to Wholesome Sweeteners. He noted that because his Association and Federation are Fair Trade there are fewer sick women, more people are working and workers’ rights are respected, the environment is respected, and his organization is run with transparency. He believes that “all over the world young people are joined together to do the right thing for the world”. Francisco has been the president of his Association, of his Federation, and is now running for mayor of his community.