An early supporter of Fairtrade and the need for ethical food sourcing, Simon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the wider ethical and certification sector to Fairtrade. Simon has been involved in certification, organic food and product production since the 1980s through Whole Earth Foods Ltd and Soil Association, where he remains a member of the Soil Association Standards Board to this day. Simon Wright was involved in helping develop the first certified Fairtrade product to the U.K. market, in the form of Green & Black’s Maya Gold chocolate bar, launched in 1994.
Simon Wright said;
“I am delighted to join the board of Trustees at the Fairtrade Foundation at this time as it continues to drive forward positive change for farmers, producers and UK shoppers at a time of great uncertainty and challenge.
“I hope that my experience and knowledge will contribute to Fairtrade’s ambitions in making food fair and for farmers and workers getting a better, fairer deal when providing us with some of our favourite products.
“Fairness in trade shouldn’t be an add-on or an afterthought, but a basic right that gives people the respect and dignity they deserve for their hard work, and through Fairtrade we are making that a reality.”
In 2009 Simon was asked to review how the Fairtrade Foundation might develop its certification function before being asked to join and subsequently chair the Certification and Oversight Committee.
Chairman of Fairtrade Foundation’s Board of Trustees Lord Mark Price said;
“I’m proud to welcome Simon Wright onto the Board of Trustees for the Fairtrade Foundation. Simon’s knowledge and experience of Fairtrade and the wider ethical sector will be invaluable to us all at the Foundation as it continues to work to recognise and reward the farmers on whom we rely for so much of our favourite produce.”
Simon Wright joins the board of Trustees with immediate effect.