Stange received the ward from Martina Anderson, Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister at a ceremony in Belfast City Hall.
“It is an honour to be recognised for the work being carried out for the most marginalised farmers in the developing world, that produce many commodities we often take for granted,” Stange said of the award.
“This achievement is for the farmers, especially in the African, Caribbean and Pacific region and that we may build upon these successes, focusing on appropriately targeted central and local government procurement to encourage the Fairtrade market to further develop in the UK and Ireland,” he further stated.
Voting was conducted by the public from May to August 2011 via the Belfast City Council’s website and in paper form through Belfast City Council’s publication “City Matters”.
Amonf the ministerial responsibilities of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is driving investment and sustainable development, which includes Fairtrade and ethical procurement.