What, How, Why?

 

What is Fair Trade?

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay above market prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their lot and have more control over their lives

 

 

Why Should Chorlton support Fair Trade?

We see achieving Fair Trade status as an expression of the Chorlton community’s desire to see producers treated fairly everywhere.

 

For 500,000 workers and farmers in the developing world, Fairtrade means better terms of trade and decent production conditions. If more people become aware of Fair Trade and start to buy it, local businesses will have no excuse not to stock Fair Trade products. Chorlton community can really have a big impact on producers the other side of the world.

Buying Fair Trade locally will also have a positive impact on Chorlton's local economy through supporting local businesses.

The Fair Trade group also supports buying in season and local produce, since local farmers also need our support.  Buying Fair Trade demonstrates a commitment to fair prices which is as valid in the UK, as it is overseas. 

If Chorlton achieves Fair Trade Status we will be the only area in Manchester to have done this.

 

How Can Chorlton support Fair Trade?

The Chorlton Fair Trade Steering Group is hoping to achieve “fair Trade status” for the area. This involves meeting five goals set out by the fairtrade foundation:

  1. Manchester city council needs to commit itself to promoting fairtrade through a free publication and also by serving fair trade coffee and tea at meetings, in its offices and canteens. They also need to supply Chorlton with a street sign declaring it as a fair trade town.
  2. A range of Fairtrade products need to be readily available in the areas shops, and local cafes and literature should be on display to advertise that they sell fairtrade.
  3. Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places and community organisations. Venues should display a certificate advising that they use fairtrade and some educational campaigns need to be organised to deepen peoples understanding of the issues.
  4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign
  5. A Local Fairtrade Steering Group is convened to ensure continued commitment to fairtrade town status. This group should include a good mix of local representatives (e.g. schools churches and businesses) the group is responsible for monitoring progress and organising events in fairtrade fortnight.

 

Once Fair Trade Status has been achieved we will