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Fair Trade

Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from 27 February-11 March, and will mark the 20th anniversary since the launch of Fairtrade in the UK.  Here we take a look at what Fair Trade means for our area and what is happening locally to help promote it.

What is Fair Trade?

The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) outlines ten general principles that all Fair Trade organisations must follow to be recognised by it.  These are: creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers; transparency and accountability; fair trading practices; payment of a fair price; ensuring no child labour and no forced labour; commitment to non-discrimination, gender equity and freedom of association; ensuring good working conditions; providing capacity building; promoting fair trade; and respect for the environment.

What is the Fairtrade Foundation?

The Fairtrade Foundation is the UK member of the Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International. It is this body that is responsible for providing the independent certification to producer organisations and traders.

Fairtrade guarantees a fair deal for developing world producers. You can buy a range of Fairtrade products, including tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas, sugar and wine. A full list of products is available from the Fairtrade Foundation website.

The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label, which is administered by the Fairtrade Foundation. Products can only carry the FAIRTRADE Mark if they meet strict criteria relating to better terms of trade and decent production conditions.

What is Fairtrade status?

A Fairtrade town is defined as "a town, city, village, county, zone, island or borough that has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade and using products with the FAIRTRADE Mark". In order to attain Fairtrade status, the Council must achieve five goals (known as the 5 'C's) laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation.

What progress is being made in Dover District to achieve Fairtrade status

Deal and Dover have been recognised as Fairtrade towns.

Dover District Council is working towards achieving Fairtrade status for the district.  Dover District Council's current position as of 2010/11 was:

• Council - local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteens)
  Dover District Council adopted a motion in 2003, which acted as a resolution. An expanded resolution was adopted in 2009 to include local produce. DDC provides the option of Fairtrade tea and coffee to elected Members at meetings.
• Commerce - a range of Fairtrade products are available locally
  A range of Fairtrade products are available locally and targets are being met.
• Community - schools, workplaces, places of worship and community organisations support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible
  A range of business and community groups were surveyed in 2009 and found to be using Fairtrade goods, including a flagship employer, Town and Parish Councils, educational establishments and faith organisations.
• Consensus - media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community
  The Council continues to look at ways to communicate and promote the benefits of Fairtrade produce.
• Captains - a Fairtrade steering group representing different sectors is formed to co-ordinate action around the goals and develop them over the years
  The Council agreed at its meeting held on 30 November 2011 to appoint a representative to the Dover Fairtrade Steering Group and the Deal Fairtrade Steering Group. In addition, Council policy is to encourage all councillors to participate in Fairtrade groups on a voluntary basis.

For more information on Dover District’s Fairtrade Towns please see www.dovertown.co.uk or www.deal.gov.uk.

For more information on the Fairtrade Foundation please logon to www.fairtrade.org.uk

Contact

Tel: 01304 872304

Email: rebecca.brough@dover.gov.uk