Fairtrade

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What is Fairtrade?

The International Fair Trade Association www.ifat.org/whatisft provides the following information on Fairtrade:

Fairtrade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.

Fairtrade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

Fairtrade organizations have a clear commitment to Fairtrade as the principal core of their mission.

Kingston as a Fairtrade Borough

The Mayor, Councillor Ed Naylor, received the award on behalf of the borough at a ceremony on March 4 at the Guildhall during Fairtrade Fortnight 2005. Fairtrade Borough status is a great reward for the hard work put in by members of the Kingston Fairtrade Steering Group, which includes representatives from Kingston Council, and follows an idea put forward by the Trade Justice Group. More specifically Fairtrade status means that as a borough we have built and established the widespread use of Fairtrade products locally. Purchasing Fairtrade products allows the consumer to feel confident that the producers are receiving a better deal.

In March 2005, 28 retailers, 29 faith groups, 16 catering outlets and Kingston University supported Fairtrade within the borough. Many more have sinced joined the fairtrade movement.

Here are some of the things that members of the Fairtrade Steering Group had to say about the award:

“We are delighted that Kingston has been recognised as a Fairtrade borough. This is not the end of our efforts – it is the platform on which we will continue to work locally towards Making Poverty History globally.”
Jeannette James
Co-ordinator of the Kingston Fairtrade Steering Group

“Kingston Council’s commitment to supporting Fairtrade has been instrumental in the borough receiving Fairtrade status. The Council will continue to actively promote and support Fairtrade.”
Councillor Liz Green
Executive member for Sustainability and Diversity & Member of the Fairtrade Steering Group

Kingston Fairtrade Network

Volunteers on the Kingston Fairtrade Steering Group have been busy putting together a website to promote the work of the Kingston Fairtrade Network. The main attraction of the website so far is the Kingston Fairtrade Directory! The Fairtrade directory can tell you what sort of Fairtrade goods you can find in Kingston and where you can find them, so don’t forget to check it out before your next grocery shop!