About

WHAT IS FAIRTRADE?

Fairtrade means poor communities getting a fair price for the products that they provide for others to buy, this then enables them to educate their children, afford health care and improve their standard of living.

THE FAIRTRADE FOUNDATION

Cocoa producerThe Fairtrade Foundation administers the Fairtrade mark in the UK. You will have probably seen this mark on some products such as coffeee, chocolate and bananas in shops and supermarkets.

For a product to display the Fairtrade mark it must have met standards set by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO). These standards mean that producers “receive a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production and an extra premium that is invested in social or economic development projects.” (as explained on the Fairtrade Foundation website).

FAIRTRADE TOWNS

The first ever Fairtrade Town was Garstang in Lancashire. In 2000 the people of Garstang wanted to demonstrate their support for Fairtrade and producers in developing countries by encouraging local businesses to use and sell fairtrade products and raising awareness about Fairtrade.

Now, there are over 200 Fairtrade Towns in the UK and this number is growing all the time!

To become a Fairtrade Town (or Zone) 5 objectives must be met, as stipulated on the Fairtrade Foundation website:

  1. The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.
  2. A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments (targets are set in relation to population).
  3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc).
  4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
  5. A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

To find out more visit:

The Fairtrade Foundation - www.fairtrade.org.uk

Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International - www.fairtrade.net

Our ‘News’ page - for updates on Fairtrade Gedling

Our ‘Directory’ page - to find out where you can buy Fairtrade in Gedling