FAIRTRADE

"Trade justice is a truly meaningful way for developed countries to show commitment to bringing about an end to global poverty" Nelson Mandela

Everyone has the right to feed their families, make a decent living and protect their environment. But the powerful are pursuing trade policies that put profits before the needs of people and the planet. To end poverty and protect the environment we need Trade Justice not free trade. The Fairtrade movement exists for western countries to support Trade Justice.

Development agencies recognised the important role that consumers could play to improve the situation for producers. By buying direct from farmers at better prices, helping to strengthen their organisations and marketing their produce directly through their own one world shops and catalogues, the charities offered consumers the opportunity to buy products which were bought on the basis of a fair trade.

The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label which appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.

For a product to display the FAIRTRADE Mark it must meet international Fairtrade standards. These standards are set by the international certification body Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO).

Producer organisations that supply Fairtrade products are inspected and certified by FLO. They receive a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production and an extra premium that is invested in development projects. The benefits of fairtrade for the suppliers and labourers are endless: achieving a regular income, improved working conditions, a cleaner environment to work in, new housing, health and sanitation, increased efficiency, new water supply, community canteens and improved sport and education facitlities in many developing countries.

The Fair Trade Foundation licenses the FAIRTRADE Mark to products in the UK which meet FLO standards. The supplier (brand-owner or main national distributor) must sign the Foundation's Licence Agreement which provides a licence to use the Mark.

The Foundation was established in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, New Consumer, Oxfam, Traidcraft and the World Development Movement. These founding organisations were later joined by Britain's largest women's organisation, the Women's Institute.

There are now over 1500 Fairtrade retail and catering products available in the UK. Available primary produce includes:

• Fresh fruit (apples, avacadoes, lychees, bananas, citrus, coconut, grape, magoes, pears, plums, and pineapples)
• Cocoa and chocolate
• Cotton products
• Sugar and confectionary
• Tea
• Fruit juice and yoghurt
• Herbs and spices
• Honey
• Nuts and snacks
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Flowers
• Wines
• Beers

Fair trade products are available at many suppliers in Shrewsbury. For details of suppliers click here.

Want to support Fair trade?

For more information on how to get involved in Fairtrade, by becoming a buyer/seller/licensee /donating money to the foundation or by converting your workplace/school/café into a Fairtrade environment visit FAIRTRADE or contact.....

Visit the official Fair Trade website to get some delicious Fairtrade recipies

Shrewsbury Fairtrade Foundation

Fairtrade Fortnight 2008

The dates set for 2008 are 25 February to 9 March

The Shropshire Fairtrade Coalition

The official launch of the county's Fairtrade status at Ironbridge Gorge Museum took place on Friday 13 July. The launch formally completed a process begun in March 2005 at a gathering of Fairtrade sympathisers from across the county in Wellington. Fairtrade status is granted by the Fairtrade Foundation which is also the body which oversees the familiar Fairtrade badge system on coffee, tea and a wide range of other products.

From small beginnings, the award of Fairtrade status to Bridgnorth in August 2003 and to Ludlow in December 2003, we have seen Fairtrade use in Shropshire grow dramatically. Oswestry was awarded Fairtrade status in May this year and we are waiting to hear the outcome of an application from Wem.

Fairtrade status is not easy to achieve and is only given when a number of strict criteria have been met. These include endorsement by the local authorities, the wide availability of Fairtrade goods in local shops and cafes and good media coverage of Fairtrade issues. In addition we have had to ensure that at least one major employer uses Fairtrade products and we have been very pleased that the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has now met these requirements.

Shropshire is one of only five counties in England to have achieved this award, and we believe it is the first Fairtrade County to include a unitary authority, Telford & Wrekin borough.

This status is, however, only the beginning. Together we need to continue the momentum and to renew our commitment towards a fairer and better world.

Own a B&B/Guesthouse?

Raise the standard of your guesthouse by signing up with Fairtrade suppliers and serving Fairtrade products to guests. The FAIRTRADE Traidmark is a highly respectable brand. All food items are not only ethical and sustainable but they are also of the highest quality. Fairtrade is now requested by guests in hotels and guesthouses far more than ever before so get on board and buy Fairtrade

The Shropshire coalition's website includes the updated guide to Fairtrade in Shropshire