Edinburgh, Scotland Fairtrade City Initiative

Edinburgh, Scotland

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Type: Program

Status: Launched in December 2003

Source File: Click here

Description:

The Fairtrade Towns/Cities initiative is run by the Fairtrade Foundation in the UK. The purpose of a Fairtrade town is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by helping disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE mark.

Edinburgh Fairtrade City Initiative
The Fairtrade Towns/Cities initiative is run by the Fairtrade Foundation in the UK. The purpose of a Fairtrade town is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by helping disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE mark.

To become a Fairtrade City the following five goals must be realised:

1. The local authority passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices and canteens

2. A range of at least two Fairtrade products are readily available in the area's shops and Fairtrade products are served in local cafes/eating establishments

3. Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places and community organisations (churches, schools, etc)

4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign

5. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade City status.

The Edinburgh Fairtrade City Initiative was launched in the City Chambers in December 2003 at a civic reception attended by the Lord Provost Cllr Lesley Hinds, Gareth Thomas MP, Mark Lazarowicz MP and Simeon Green, Windward bananas. Edinburgh received its Fairtrade City Status on the 12 March 2004. The steering group must monitor progress towards each of the Fairtrade City goals and report to the Fairtrade Foundation annually.

Fair trade is a growing international movement to guarantee that producers in poor countries receive a fair price for their goods. It means that workers benefit from a decent wage and working conditions and that the price they receive for their goods reflects the true cost of production. It also allows for investment in safe water supplies, sanitation, healthcare and education.

The Fairtrade Foundation was established to improve the position of the poor and marginalised producers in the developing world. The Foundation encourages UK industry and consumers to support fairer trade and to purchase fair trade products. Products that carry the FAIRTRADE Mark, the only independent consumer guarantee, ensure that producers in the developing world get a better deal.

There are over 3000 products with the certified Fairtrade logo available in the UK. This includes jams and preserves, chutneys and sauces, rice, wine and beers. Fair trade products are now offered by catering suppliers - just ask!