Brentwood Borough Council Community - Fairtrade

Fairtrade

Fairtrade Fortnight

22nd February- 7th March

For Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 we want you to join The Big Swap, swapping your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff. We want lots of swaps made, one million and one in fact. Each swap will be proof that the UK wants the developing world producers to get a better deal. Visit

The Big Swap

to find out more, get inspired and register your swap.

What it Fairtrade?

Fairtrade does what it says on the label - it guarantees a better deal to producers in the developing world. This means a stable price which covers their production costs, along with a premium that their organisation will be able to reinvest either in the business or social and environmental schemes among the wider community.

Too many farmers in the developing world have to contend with fluctuating prices that may not even cover what it costs to produce their crop. So Fairtrade can make a big impact on their day-to-day life.

What is a Fairtrade Town?

A Fairtrade Town is a community that has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade. The purpose of a Fairtrade Town is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from developing countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the Fairtrade mark.

Becoming a Fairtrade Town

To become a Fairtrade Town, five goals must be met. These are:

• Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteen);
• A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s retail outlets (shops, supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations) and served in local catering outlets (cafés, restaurants, pubs);
• Local workplaces and community organisations (places of worship, schools, universities, colleges and other community organisations) support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible;
• Media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community; and
• A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure the Fairtrade Town campaign continues to develop and gain new support. 

Brentwood Borough Council will be working with businesses, organisations, groups and the local community over the coming months to establish Fairtrade status for the Borough.

To join the Fair Trade discussion group visit - Fairtrade Towns Discussion Group

For more information on getting involved with the Fairtrade Steering Group, please email kim.anderson@brentwood.gov.uk or telephone 01277 312634