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Fairtrade

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Did you know Colchester is a Fairtrade Town?

On 8 March 2006 Colchester achieved Fairtrade Town status, there are now 300 Fairtrade towns in the UK. This status was achieved by the hard work carried out by the Colchester Fairtrade Group, a group of volunteers that campaign for the widespread adoption of Fairtrade products in Colchester.

"Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives." (Fairtrade Foundation - www.fairtrade.org.uk)

To achieve this status Colchester had to meet five goals;

  • The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.
  • A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area's shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments.
  • Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places educational establishments, faith communities and other community organisations.
  • Attract media coverage and organise events to gain popular support for the campaign.
  • A local Fairtrade steering group must meet regularly to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status. The composition of your steering group should be representative of your community overall.

 For more information on Fairtrade in Colchester please go to www.fairtradecolchester.com