Fairtrade

Fairtrade is an independent consumer label awarded by the Fairtrade labelling Organisations International (FLO) and supported in the UK by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Fairtrade guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers. Fairtrade products must meet a strict set of criteria guaranteeing, for example, decent wages, a fair price, credit terms, good environmental standards, no child or forced labour and worker representation in trade union activities.

General public , communities, children and young people, public, voluntary organisations and businesses can get involved in different ways.

• General public can purchase Fairtrade products.

• Local businesses can purchase from Fairtrade suppliers and sell Fairtrade products.

• Public, private and voluntary organisations can purchase from Fairtrade suppliers and use Fairtrade products

• Children and young people can campaign for Fairtrade

• Villages, Towns, Cities can campaign for Fairtrade by becoming Fairtrade Village, Town or City

The purpose of a Fairtrade City 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 Label/Mark.  A City must achieve five goals to become a Fairtrade City

• Local Council passes a resolution

• A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products is readily available in the area’s shops and local café/catering establishment

• Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers, etc) and community organisations (churches, schools, etc)

• Attract media coverage and popular support campaign

• A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade City Status

Three communities within Perth and Kinross area are already campaigning for Fairtrade:

• Aberfeldy was the first town to achieve Fairtrade Town status in Scotland in November 2002

• Perth City has achieved Fairtrade City status in June 2005

• Kinross-shire area has achieved Fairtrade County status in August 2005.