Scotland’s status as a fair trade nation reflects a commitment to social justice, sustainability and global solidarity. It is a powerful statement of our shared values that demonstrates leadership and promote ethical trade and equality at a time when inequality too often runs through our global supply chains.

As the convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Fair Trade and the chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway regional Fair Trade steering group, I see every day the difference that is made by the fair trade principle that producers and workers should receive fair payment, good working conditions and opportunities for economic empowerment. I recognise that it is the work of local groups and campaigners, businesses, faith groups, councils and, ultimately, the producers themselves that makes the fair trade principle a reality.

Scotland’s public sector procurement budget is £16 billion it would be good to know how much is actually spent on fair trade products. The answer is often, “We simply do not know.” Scottish Fair Trade has been trying to measure that since 2019, yet no consistent monitoring or definition has been put in place. Last year’s Economy and Fair Work Committee inquiry into the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 highlighted the lack of a standardised legal definition of “fairly traded”, which has led to different public bodies taking different interpretations.

We need to have a clearer definition that is aligned with Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organization—not to mandate purchases, but to enhance transparency and accountability. Since our committee’s recommendation, I am pleased that guidance on procurement has improved, but I urge the Government to go further and enshrine the definition in law by amending the 2014 act, which will enable us to see how many fair trade products are being bought.

Scottish business also has a vital role to play. As a Labour and Co-operative Party MSP, I am proud of the co-operative movement’s early and continued support for Fairtrade. The co-op retail movement remains Fairtrade’s largest UK supporter, and many Fairtrade producers operate as co-operatives.

During the debate my fellow Scottish Labour & Co-operative MSP Neil Bibby also highlighted the role of the co-operative movement as an early adopted of fair trade products.  Neil also pointed out that the United Nations has designated 2025 as an International Year of Co-operatives, with ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’ as its theme, like Neil I believe that fair trade will contribute to creating a better world.

Fair trade nation status is more than a title; it is a commitment to social justice, sustainability and global solidarity. It strengthens our international reputation and affirms our leadership in ethical trade. To maintain that status, we can and must do more—for example, by ensuring that our public procurement policies align with fair trade principles and embedding such values in business and education. Fair trade is not only about purchasing choices; it is about the world that we want to build—one that is rooted in fairness, equity and sustainability.