A reaffirmation of commitment to fair trade...
Town council looks to demonstrate that Leek actively supports local producers
FAIRTRADE fortnight started on Monday and runs until Sunday, March 6.
As a result of Leek Town Council and a number of businesses and organisations retailing or using Fairtrade products, Leek was awarded Fairtrade Town status in 2007 by the National Fairtrade Foundation based in London.
A spokeswoman for the town’s Fairtrade group, said: “Leek is a town of high standards when it comes to sourcing food.
“Recently members of Leek Town Council have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing backing the Fairtrade resolution.
“The council’s commitment is to demonstrate that Leek actively supports and promotes the concept of Fairtrade, ensuing that local and developing producers get a fair price for their products and services.”
The key principles of Fairtrade are:
Creating opportunities for disadvantaged producers and making a significant contribution to the alleviation of poverty and promote development world wide.
Transparency and accountability, encourage open and inclusive commercial relationships, dealing fairly and respectfully.
Producers development, means independence and trading relationships providing longer term continuity and enables producers and their organisations to improve their skills and their access to new markets.
Fairtrade is already helping millions of farmers around the world to earn a decent wage, preserve the environment, drink clean water and send their children to school. Buying Fairtrade means the farmers get a better deal in return for their hard work.
Awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation, the Fairtrade mark on a product guarantees that the producers enjoy decent wages, minimum health and safety standards, a fair minimum price and a social premium for the community, a long term trading relationship, a commitment to better environmental standards and working toward sustainable production and a right for workers to join a trade union.
The spokeswoman added: “These are some thoughts to hold in our minds when we are shopping, and watch out for the Fairtrade mark on products.”