Fairtrade is a tool for development that ensures disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal through the use of the international FAIRTRADE Mark. Fairtrade’s focus is on helping farmers and workers improve the quality of their lives and take more control over their futures. Fairtrade’s purpose is to tackle poverty and empower producers in developing countries, it delivers unique benefits to producers, businesses and consumers.

The Fairtrade premium is a sum of money paid on top of the agreed Fairtrade price for investment in development projects, decided upon democratically by producers. The premium fund is typically invested in education and healthcare, farm improvements to increase yield and quality, or processing facilities to increase income.

There are now over 4,500 different products available in the UK which carry the FAIRTRADE Mark. These include wine, flowers, fruit, sugar, honey, juices and nuts as well as the increasingly popular fairly traded teas, coffees and, of course, chocolate!

By buying Fairtrade products we can all do something practical, simple and positive which ensures that producers from developing countries receive a fair price for their goods and labour.

For further information visit www.fairtrade.org.uk

Fairtrade in Warrington

Warrington Borough Council obtained Fairtrade status in 2006. To become a Fairtrade Borough, Warrington had to fulfil the following criteria;

• Local council passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteens).
• A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s retail outlets (shops, supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations) and served in local catering outlets (cafés, restaurants, pubs).
• Local workplaces and community organisations (places of worship, schools, universities, colleges and other community organisations) support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible. A flagship employer is required for populations over 100,000.
• Media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community.
• A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure the Fairtrade Town campaign continues to develop and gain new support.

Fair 4 All - Warrington’s dedicated Fair Trade Shop 

Where is it? In the centre hall of Warrington Market.

Fair 4 All opened for business in September 2002.

It is a not for profit co-operative and is staffed by an army of volunteers.

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm.

Fair 4 All aims to raise awareness about fair trade and provide a retail outlet for fairly traded products that will benefit producers in developing countries.

If you want to learn more about fair trade, or introduce it to your school or community group Fair 4 All offers

• talks to community groups, school assemblies and lessons
• sale or return stalls - food, crafts, cards and lots more to suit your requirements.
• leaflets, posters, other promotional material.

For more information and bookings contact the stall on 415121.

NEWS: Fairtrade Borough status renewed

Warrington had its fairtrade borough statues renewed. The group had to create an action plan to submit to the fairtrade foundation to show that the fairtrade work in warrington had been continuing and that they had plans for moving forward in the future.

You can read the plan and the fairtrade foundations comments here.

Fairtrade_Renewal_Action_Plan

Previously

Members of Warrington’s Fairtrade steering group and Fairtrade supporters from Warrington Collegiate travelled to London on 9 October to collect the Fairtrade Foundation's "Outstanding Achievement" award; for the town with the best campaigning activities in Fairtrade Fortnight 2010.

Warrington Fairtrade steering group

The steering group meets regularly to continue to raise awareness on fair trade issues, to spearhead promotional campaigns and to encourage even more businesses, schools, churches and organisations to sell or use products with the FAIRTRADE Mark.

If you are interested in joining the steering group, please contact the Rev. Mavis McDonnell on 01925 634408 or email mmavis@aol.com

Warrington Fairtrade Directory

To find out where to buy products that carry the FAIRTRADE Mark take a look at the Warrington Fairtrade directory – Fairtrade directory 2011.pdf

Want to be in the directory?

If you sell at least two Fairtrade products, or use Fairtrade products in your workplace, school or place of worship, the steering group want to hear from you so that they can help to promote sales of your Fairtrade products by entering you in the online directory.  Contact the Rev. Mavis McDonnell 01925 634408 or email mmavis@aol.com.