Fairtrade is a programme which helps producers in developing countries get a fair price for the things that they produce. It aims to support farmers and growers directly to provide an opportunity for them to work themselves out of poverty. It also supports them to use less environmentally damaging agricultural practices associated with low cost production and requires plantations have decent working conditions.
Fairtrade labelled products are bought directly from growers organisations and cooperatives. They are independently assessed and have to meet a criteria including:
A company launching a Fairtrade product has to provide a minimum price to its producers, develop credit agreements to allow improvements and include a long term commitment to trade. Fairtrade producers will be paid for their goods at a higher price but the extra funds are used to improve conditions for workers. This can include clean water, sanitation, basic medical treatment, food, housing and education.
Fairtrade is now a mainstream initiative with most major drink brand names offering a Fairtrade product in their range and many supermarkets stocking a variety of Fairtrade goods.
In March 2005 Thurrock Council was involved in its first fair trade promotion. This was organised in partnership with local Fairtrade volunteers and supported by the library service and local supermarkets. Over 250 people attended coffee mornings and promotional events in the Borough, and completed a survey on Fairtrade. The majority of those surveyed regularly purchased Fairtrade products and 63% said they would welcome Thurrock becoming a Fairtrade Borough.
Fairtrade status is an initiative that began in 2000 which aims to promote the use of Fairtrade products in an area. There currently are 134 Fairtrade towns, villages, boroughs, islands and counties in the UK. A further 231 are working towards Fairtrade status.
To achieve the status Thurrock has to achieve five goals
Help make Thurrock a Fairtrade Borough by choosing Fairtrade Products.
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Fresh Fruits |  |
Sugar |  |
Preserves/Spreads |
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Coffee |  |
Fruit Juice |  |
Rice |
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Chocolate/Cocoa |  |
Honey |  |
Flowers |
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Tea |  |
Nuts and Snacks |  |
Wines/Beers |
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Cakes |  |
Sanitary |  |
Clothing |
N.B. Stock is subject to change and availability in store.
Email us at la21@thurrock.gov.uk or telephone (01375) 652910.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2007 ran from 26th February to 11th March. This was the third year of the Thurrock Fairtrade Campaign and a number of events were arranged to raise public awareness of Fairtrade products and issues.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2007(PDF 2.1MB) [ see how to access PDF files ]
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