Item - 2013.GM20.5

In response to a request from Government Management Committee to investigate the requirements associated with Toronto qualifying for and achieving Fair Trade Town status, this report recommends an amendment to the City's Policy on the Purchase of Coffee to now include tea and sugar, and make it a requirement that the City of Toronto purchase Fairtrade certified coffee, tea and sugar products. 

Approval and implementation of the recommended amendments to the City's Policy on the Purchase of Coffee will demonstrate that the City of Toronto is committed and supportive of companies with sustainable agricultural policies in the coffee, tea and sugar sector of the producing countries, and are involved in programs that make a positive difference in the lives of those workers.  Additionally, approval of the policy amendment will ensure that the City of Toronto meets its political goal under the Fair Trade Town program which will help Toronto qualify for achieving Fair Trade Town status.  To achieve Fair Trade Town status, a municipality is only required to support the purchase of at least two Fairtrade certified products.  The revised policy will have three Fairtrade certified products.  Through ongoing initiatives by Fair Trade Toronto, Toronto City Council can consider adding other Fairtrade certified products in the future.