Achieving Fairtrade Borough Status

We are a group of Wandsworth residents trying to raise awareness of Fairtrade products in our borough. In order to help raise awareness we have started a campaign to achieve Fairtrade borough status. Fairtrade status can be awarded to any geographical area (i.e. Town/City/Village/Borough etc). In London it is split into the 33 London boroughs and so we are aiming to achieve Fairtrade borough status for Wandsworth.

In order to achieve this we need to complete 5 criteria set by the Fairtrade Foundation. These are:

  • 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.

Wandsworth Campaign Latest:

Resounding defeat of the Fairtrade resolution

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/oct/24/1)

On Wednesday 22nd October Wandsworth Council voted resoundingly against supporting the Fairtrade resolution required to declare Wandsworth a "Fairtrade borough". The vote was 43 - 8 with all of the Conservative members present voting against Fairtrade. Before the vote Cllr Henry Pugh (Wandsworth Common) had stated that the resolution was no more than gesture politics that wouldn't help anybody and Cllr Kathy Tracey (Wandsworth Common) had stated that Fairtrade mainly only helps Mexican farmers who according to the Cllr live in a relatively wealthy country.

(see http://www.wdm.org.uk/resources/briefings/trade/impactsforweb03062008.pdf or http://www.organicconsumers.org/chiapas/nafta040504.cfm

for a different opinion on the Mexican situation)

Don't worry though, the campaign will continue!  We have decided to put discussions with the council on hold while we focus on raising awareness amongst residents, businesses, faith groups and schools in Wandsworth - which is the most important part of the campaign after all!

Our Supporters

Eventography

27/02/2010 - Fairtrade Tea Dance
26/02/2010 - Information stand at Wandsworth Council
24/01/2010 - Group Meeting 23.01.10
24/10/2009 - Group Meeting
18/08/2009 - Summer Social!
26/07/2009 - Ben & Jerry's Sundae on the Common
more info...