CLONDALKIN CELEBRATES 3 YEARS OF FAIRTRADE
Clondalkin celebrates the 3rd anniversary of becoming a Fairtrade Town.
The 3rd year milestone is down to the hard work and commitment of the group to champion Fairtrade and the rights of farmers in developing nations around Clondalkin
Farmers around the world face many challenges ranging from unfair trading practices to poverty and climate change. Fairtrade has paved a way for fairer, ethical trading. Currently it works with 1.6 million farmers and workers in poorest nations to enable them to earn a sustainable income and the Fairtrade Premium that they can invest in community, business and environmental projects.
As part of the celebrations, Clondalkin Fairtrade town will be hosting a Bakery Competition in Aras Chronain on the 1st March at 6.30. Catherine Leyden TV3 cook will judge this event. Haris Lopez Picado from Nicaragua will also be in attendance and there will be prizes awarded on the night.
On the 9th March, local business people will meet with members of the Fairtrade committee to discuss how to strengthen Fairtrade in Clondalkin.
There is also an Art competition for children and adults . The closing date for this is the 10th March.
Paula Galvin , Chairperson of Clondalkin Fairtrade Town said: “We are very proud of our Fairtrade Town status and our commitment to the values of the movement: fairness, justice and empathy.
“This fantastic milestone is a collective achievement and reflects the continued support of local campaigners, businesses, retailers and community groups. We have some exciting plans for the future and today I invite local residents to get involved to help drive change for the farmers who need our support most.”
“We all have huge power to change things for better through our shopping choices and business practices. With the support of campaigners such as ours in Clondalkin, the Fairtrade movement has helped to transform the lives of millions of farmers and workers, their families and communities in world’s poorest countries.
“Trade is not working for everyone and so we need to keep driving change for more farmers and their families. I hope the group will continue their much needed work and I wish them many more years of success.”
The Fairtrade Town campaign started in 2001 in Garstang, Lancashire, to promote Fairtrade-certified goods in the town. The Fairtrade network currently includes over 600 Fairtrade Towns in the UK, and over 1,800 worldwide.
For the Fairtrade Foundation: media@fairtrade.org.uk / 020 7440 7692
The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent certification body which licenses the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products which meet international Fairtrade standards. This independent consumer label appears on products to show that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal from trade. Today, more than 1.6 million people – farmers and workers – across more than 74 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.
Over 5,000 products have been licensed to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark including coffee, tea, herbal teas, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, grapes, pineapples, mangoes, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, satsumas, lychees, coconuts, dried fruit, juices, smoothies, biscuits, cakes & snacks, honey, jams & preserves, chutney & sauces, rice, quinoa, herbs & spices, seeds, nuts & nut oil, wines, rum, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars, yoghurt, ice-cream, flowers, sports balls, sugar body scrub and cotton products including clothing, homeware, cloth toys, cotton wool, olive oil, gold, silver and platinum.
Public awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark continues to be high in 2015, at a level of 93%.
To achieve and retain Fairtrade Status, the Fairtrade Town must meet the following standards:
• The Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea in its meetings, offices, and canteens.
• A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and be served in local cafes and catering establishments
• Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places and community organisations
• Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign
• A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade borough status