From 1 to 15 March all things edible will be the topic of conversation amongst staff and students when the University of Glasgow celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight, as it moves towards becoming an Oxfam 'Fairtrade University'.

The University will join in the UK-wide celebrations promoting 'A taste for life' with DJs (Fairtrade Funk), coffee mornings, food stalls and the Fairtrade logo will be projected on the walls of the Student Union building in true Batman style. The University hopes the events will promote the benefits of fairtrade products and the range now available around campus.

"Fair trading guarantees a fair and reasonable price for producers, safe and healthy working conditions, protects children from forced labor and ensures both workers and the environment are treated with respect. The SRC believes there is a market for fairly traded products on campus and is working with the University to form a policy in support of fairtrade", said Ali Ritchie, SRC President.

"Fairtrade is an integral part of the University's commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the importance of staff and students working together with the local community. Fairtrade is now considered in the University's mainstream catering provision and we hope to introduce more fairtrade products in the near future", said Judy Wilkinson, University of Glasgow Sustainablity Implementation Group Member.

The University serves fairtrade coffee at most meetings and functions and stocks fair trade cereal bars and chocolates at food shops. The SRC provides fairly traded alternative products (where possible) in all SRC controlled outlets including vending machines. Both staff and students are committed to publicising the benefits of purchasing fair trade goods.

"Oxfam in Scotland welcomes Glasgow's moves to become a fairtrade university. In showing practical unity that makes a real difference to struggling farmers in the developing world, students and staff at Glasgow and other universities are setting an example that the rest of Scotland should follow", said John McAllion, Trade Campaigner for Oxfam in Scotland.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

The University of Glasgow will be named a ?Fair Trade University? after it has reached Oxfam?s Five Goals for a Fair Trade University (Oxfam's five goals)

The SRC have organised a DJ to play soul and funk in celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight (Fairtrade Funk) on 11 March between 11am ? 2pm at Qudos in the Queen Margaret Building.

For further information please contact:

University of Glasgow Press Office, Tel: 0141 330 3535

Oxfam Press Office, Tel: 0141 285 8855

To find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight visit: Fairtrade