Bovey Tracey Town Council

Fairtrade

What is Fairtrade?

Millions of farmers and their families depend on selling crops to survive. If prices fall, they can face real hardship. Fairtrade makes sure that farmers and producer organisations are paid a fair and stable price for their products. They also receive a 'Social Premium' to invest in a better future for their community, by building a nursery school, a well or clinic. There are over 2000 Fairtrade certified products in the UK from coffee and tea to fresh and dried fruit, olive oil, chocolate and jewellery and craft items. You can find out more here www.fairtrade.org.uk.

Why are we supporting Fairtrade in Bovey Tracey?

Fairtrade is important because it changes lives. It seeks to guarantee a better deal for the farmers and workers in the developing world who struggle to provide for their families. We want to make sure everyone in the parish of Bovey Tracey knows about Fairtrade and wants to support it, so whether at home, work, out shopping or in a café they can choose Fairtrade products. We think it's only fair that the people who work hard to produce what we eat, wear and use should be paid enough to live on and a chance to improve their lives.

Devon has recently become a Fairtrade County – to find out more go to – Fairtrade Devon Webpage

Fairtrade Status Achieved

Bovey Tracey was declared as a Fairtrade town on 8th October 2008 when it met the 5 goals required by the Fairtrade Foundation:-

Goal 1

Bovey Tracey Town Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices etc.

Goal 2

A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and at least two Fairtrade items served in local cafes and catering establishments. The following are leading the way:

Shops
Mann’s Delicatessen, Spar and Tesco Express

Café’s
Brookside Tea Rooms, The Terrace Café at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen

Goal 3

Fairtrade products are used by an appropriate number of local work places (offices, shops, B& B’s etc) and community organisations (churches, schools and other organisations etc).

Goal 4

Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

Mid Devon Advertiser contained articles on Bovey Tracey’s bid for Fairtrade Status in January and March 2008

Ongoing

Goal 5

A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.

Can you help? ‘The Next Steps’

Can you find out if your school, place of worship, employer, local cafes and shops has signed up to Fairtrade in Bovey Tracey? If not, please ask them why not! To maintain our Fairtrade status Bovey Tracey needs to continue to increase the use of Fairtrade products in our parish. The steering group is planning to compile a directory of Fairtrade businesses, schools, churches etc. Please encourage others – Choose it! Ask for Fairtrade products, Spread the word!