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Dacorum Fairtrade

Dacorum Fairtrade

Fairtrade Towns

In May 2000, Garstang in Lancashire declared itself 'the world's first Fairtrade Town'. The campaign caught the imagination of local people, the interest of politicians, and made headlines across the north-west - not to mention hugely raising awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the area.

Following this lead, the Fairtrade Foundation launched the Fairtrade Town Goals and Action Guide for campaigners who want to take up the challenge to turn their own area into a Fairtrade Town, City or Zone.

In January at the full Dacorum Council meeting the following motion was carried unanimously:

"This Council welcomes the initiatives by the Dacorum Fair Trade Group to encourage the use of fair trade goods and proposes that the Council, as an important consumer and opinion leader, should research, develop, and support a strategy to facilitate fair trade where appropriate."

The Tring District Town Council voted, by a huge majority, "That this Council resolves to support Fairtrade and agrees whenever possible to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea in its offices, at its meetings and at its receptions in The Market House".

Five Goals for a Fairtrade Town

(These can be applied to any zone: village, town, city, etc.)

The purpose of a Fairtrade Town is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE Mark.

In order to fulfil this aim by becoming a Fairtrade Town, the five goals set out below must be realised. When they have been achieved the Fairtrade Foundation will present a certificate. The goals are numbered. Additional information is shown below as bullet points (including optional extras: recommended but not required).

1. The Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade

... and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices and canteens.

• The local council could commit itself to promoting awareness of Fairtrade to its constituency on a regular basis, through its free publication (if it has one) and other outlets.
• The local council could allocate Fairtrade Town responsibilities to a member of staff or committee (possibly its Environmental or Agenda 21 officer, working in partnership with a local Fairtrade steering group) to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.
• Street signs can be erected declaring it as a Fairtrade Town.

2. Fairtrade products are readily available in the area

Fairtrade products are sold in local shops and served in local catering establishments.  It should be easy for local people to find Fairtrade products as they do their everyday shopping.  Targets are suggested in the table below.  Retail stockists could include a selection of health and whole food shops, supermarkets, or specific 'fair trade shops'.  Note that to qualify a retail outlet must sell at least two different products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Population of under:	Number of retail outlets:	Number of catering outlets:
10,000	1 per 2,500	1 per 5,000
200,000	1 per 5,000	1 per 10,000
500,000	1 per 10,000	1 per 20,000

• These outlets could display literature or placards advertising the fact that they serve or sell FAIRTRADE Mark products.
• A local Fairtrade directory could be produced advising people where they can buy or find Fairtrade products - both on paper, and on-line.

3. Fairtrade products are used by local work places and community organisations

Examples could include estate agents, hairdressers, churches, schools, etc.

• Ideally the list would include a flagship local employer.
• Venues could display stickers, posters or a certificate advising users that they use Fairtrade products and/or support the local Fairtrade Town campaign.
• Educational campaigns may be organised in these places to deepen people's understanding of the issues and deepen their commitment to Fairtrade.

4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

The media story can be revived as each goal is achieved, organising a big splash for the Fairtrade endorsement ceremony, and developing a strategy to keep it in the news long after. This will also enable local businesses and organisations to benefit from their involvement.

5. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.

This should ideally include a council representative, campaigners, and people representing the area's business and community organisations. The group is responsible for an annual assessment to monitor whether the area is continuing to meet the five goals. The group should also organise special events for Fairtrade Fortnight each year.

• An educational event or competition can be organised to raise awareness of trade issues and Fairtrade amongst young people.

To read more about the Fairtrade Towns initiative please visit the Fairtrade Foundation website.