Protecting the Environment - A Priority for True Origin

Angus Coull • March 28, 2024

Our Updated Environmental Policy + Meet Our New Volunteers

The True Origin Board have reviewed and revised our Environmental Policy, reinforcing the importance of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation)10 Principles of Fair Trade, with an emphasis on Principle 10: Climate Action and the Protection of The Environment.

True Origin recognises that trade justice is very linked with environmental justice and that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change on our producer partners and their communities, people who are seeing the biggest impact although contributing the least. Whilst our mission is clear about the importance of empowering producers through the fair purchasing and sale of food products primarily from the developing world, we recognise that there are significant trade-offs inherent in our business model. Importing foods, often as finished goods, from overseas has an environmental impact which needs to be balanced with the developmental benefits. We will seek trading relationships that promote climate justice for our partners. Within this context, we are committed to continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. Where appropriate, we will encourage customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same. You can download our latest environmental policy document here.

This seems like a good time to introduce our two volunteers, Milica and Zimo (pictured above), both are masters students in Edinburgh studying Citcular Economy and they are working on two projects for us:

1. Preparation for a climate related workshop at the BAFTS conference (to be held in Edinburgh 19th – 20th May 2024).

2. ⁠Development of some clear climate/environment criteria against which to assess our own products (eg made using renewable energy, grown organically, recyclable packaging) so we can communicate more clearly the climate credentials of our products.

Kilombero RIce - The Story of a Partnership

By Nicola Taylor • September 9, 2026

An insight into 17 years of partnership between a small fair trade organisation in Paisley and an association of smallholder rice farmers in Northern Malawi

True Origin Finalists in Two UK Social Enterprise Award Categories

By Angus Coull • September 3, 2026

We are delighted to be shortlisted in the Consumer-Facing Social Enterprise of the Year and the International Impact Award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026. Produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK, the Awards celebrate the leading lights in our sector, showcasing diversity and impact across 15 categories. Social enterprises are businesses that trade for a social or environmental purpose, and reinvest at least half their profits to further that mission. There are more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, employing 2.3 million people, and we’re delighted to be recognised as one of the best in this pioneering business movement. Commenting on being a UK Social Enterprise Awards finalist, Tracy Mitchell MD said: “Being shortlisted for not one but two UK Social Enterprise Awards is a huge honour for everyone at True Origin. We are particularly proud that the nominations recognise both sides of what we are trying to achieve: building a successful consumer-facing business here in the UK, while creating meaningful and lasting impact with our producer partners internationally.

Six New Prestigious Great Taste Awards for True Origin Products

By Angus Coull • July 28, 2026

Official recognition for our great tasting fair & fine food products

A woman standing at church fair trade stall with lots of delicious fair trade products available

How to Run a True Origin Fair Trade Stall at Your Church

By Nicola Taylor • July 3, 2026

A Fair Trade stall is about so much more than selling tea, coffee and chocolate. Every purchase supports smallholder farmers and producers who are working incredibly hard to build sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change, rising fuel costs and an unpredictable global market. For many of the communities we work with, having reliable customers is essential. By running a True Origin stall at your church, you become part of that support network, helping to create regular demand for products that often aren't available in supermarkets or high street shops. Whether your church is passionate about global justice, caring for creation or simply making a practical difference, a Fair Trade stall is a simple but powerful way to turn those values into action. Start Small You don't need a huge team or a large budget to get started. Begin by talking with your church leaders about the idea. Many churches are happy to provide a small loan or donation to purchase initial stock, particularly if it can be repaid gradually as sales grow. Remember that most of the income from a stall is best reinvested into buying more stock rather than raising money for church funds. This helps keep the stall sustainable and ensures producers continue to receive orders. If you're new to running a stall, don't worry, you won't be on your own. The True Origin team and experienced Fair Traders are always happy to share advice and practical tips.