Fairtrade Borough Status

Charnwood Retains Fairtrade Borough Status

The borough of Charnwood has retained its status as a Fairtrade Borough following a submission to the Fairtrade Foundation, the national body for Fairtrade Towns and Boroughs.

The work towards gaining Fairtrade Borough status had been spearheaded by Charnwood Action For Fairtrade (CAFF) a local group comprised of organisations such as Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University Students Union, Oxfam, local faith groups and individuals.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to have retained Fairtrade Borough status." Said Jenny Drury from Charnwood Action For Fairtrade. "CAFF would like to say a big thank you to the shops and cafes which continued to stock Fairtrade goods – and thanks too to the many churches and businesses in the borough who serve and promote Fairtrade products. This commitment has been vital in achieving and retaining Fairtrade Borough status."

Fairtrade Borough status was first awarded in 2006 when over 100 people attended a special presentation event to hear from Silver Kasoro-Atwoki, a Ugandan Fairtrade tea producer, how Fairtrade tea has improved the lives of his family and his local community in Uganda.

A special certificate was presented by the Fairtrade Foundation to demonstrate that the 5 key goals to becoming a Fairtrade Borough had been met.

"I appeal to the UK community and all those that purchase Fairtrade tea that as you take tea in that cup, you are addressing trade injustices and are assisting many small hold farmers and communities in developing countries to improve their own livelihood". - Silver Kasoro-Atwoki.

Charnwood Fairtrade Directory

Charnwood Borough Council has joined forces with Charnwood Action For Fairtrade (CAFF) to produce a Fairtrade Directory for the borough of Charnwood.

The directory provides a comprehensive list of the outlets within the borough of Charnwood where Fairtrade products are available. This directory is divided into 2 parts; one part for shops and the other for cafes and restaurants.

A copy of the Charnwood Fairtrade Directory can be downloaded below.

• Charnwood Fairtrade Directory (PDF Document, 0.18 Mb)

What Is Fairtrade?

One of the most powerful weapons we have to make positive changes in the world is through what we buy. When you buy a Fairtrade product not only do you get a great tasting product but the money you pay provides a fair deal to producers in the Third World.

Fairtrade products are products that are independently certified as providing a fair deal to producers in the third world. The Fairtrade mark (shown below) can be found on a wide variety of products such as tea, coffee, sugar, honey, bananas, mangoes, cocoa, fruit juice, and chocolate.

The money you pay for your Fairtrade products helps ensure that ethical standards of trade are met. These standards offer a lifeline for producers in the Third World by providing a fairer way of trading rather than simply offering aid

The Campaign for Fairtrade Borough Status

More and more people in Charnwood are becoming aware of what Fairtrade is achieving in benefiting producers in the developing world. In order to demonstrate this Charnwood Action For Fairtrade (CAFF) is working towards achieving Fairtrade Borough status for Charnwood.

A Fairtrade Town, Borough or City is a community which has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade, and through it to support disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries. The status is awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation, the organisation responsible for the Fairtrade mark in the UK.

In practical terms the status means that the community will have significant levels of understanding of the concept of Fairtrade, Fairtrade products will be widely available, bought and used, and a commitment will have been made to increasing sales and awareness further still, through promotional and education activities. The five specific goals are;

• Local Council passes a Fairtrade Resolution
• A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products are readily available in the area's shops. Fairtrade products are served in local cafes/catering establishments
• Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc)
• Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign
• A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.

How Can I Support the Campaign?

Supporting the campaign couldn’t be easier.
Firstly to sign up to support the campaign for Fairtrade Borough status simply send a blank email with ‘Fairtrade supporter’ in the subject box or subject line to charnwoodfairtrade@tiscali.co.uk and your contact details will be added to the growing list of Fairtrade supporters in Charnwood. CAFF and Charnwood Borough Council will then keep you up to date with how the campaign is progressing and provide details of forthcoming Fairtrade events. Signing up will also demonstrate widespread public support for the campaign for Fairtrade Borough status.
Secondly make sure you buy Fairtrade products when you can and remember to ask for Fairtrade products when out for a coffee or a cup of tea..
Thirdly encourage your workplace to become a Fairtrade workplace by having Fairtrade tea and coffee in your canteen or workplace.

Charnwood Borough Council has joined the campaign by committing to using Fairtrade products in its meetings and passing a resolution on supporting Fairtrade. The council is also a member of CAFF.

Where Can I Buy Fairtrade Products?

Fairtrade products were first sold in the UK in 1994. Since then, Fairtrade products have continued to grow in popularity, so much so that there are currently are over 3,000 different products available from retailers and caterers which have been awarded the Fairtrade Mark. The pdf below lists shops, cafés and restaurants in Charnwood which stock Fairtrade products.

Fairtrade outlets in Charnwood (PDF Document, 0.1 Mb)