• Advice and benefits
• Business
• Community and living
• Council and democracy
• Education and learning
• Environment and planning
• Health and social care
• Housing
• Jobs and careers
• Leisure and culture
• Transport and streets

Fairtrade in Stafford Borough

| SAAFT Photo Gallery  |

Why buy Fairtrade?

Almost every time you buy a product from your local supermarket you are depending on producers across the world, from tea pickers in India to cocoa growers in Africa. Yet what do these producers receive for their efforts? Do they get a fair deal? In many cases the simple answer is 'no'. All too often producers in the developing world are stuck in a cycle of poverty, gaining meagre earnings from their labour.

Fairtrade involves paying farmers and other workers a fair price for their goods and produce and means communities can afford to invest in healthcare, education and more sustainable methods of production.

By supporting and promoting Fairtrade products and issues here in the UK, we can all do something practical, simple and positive to give farmers in developing countries a brighter future as well as enjoying quality, safe products with a great taste!

What can you do?

• Buy products with the FAIRTRADE Mark when you need to buy from overseas.
  
• Tell your friends and colleagues about 'people- friendly' shopping.
  
• Check that your local shops and supermarkets stock Fairtrade products - if not then ask them to start now.
  
• Ask for Fairtrade products in your local cafis and restaurants.
  
• Give Fairtrade goods as gifts to your family and friends.
  
• Join Stafford Area Action for Fairtrade to help campaign on these issues.

 

SAAFT aims to:

• Raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade issues.

• Promote Fairtrade as a way we can help alleviate poverty in some of the poorest countries of the world.

• Ensure that consumers have a choice to buy Fairtrade.

Membership of the group is free and open to everyone. If you are interested in joining or would like to learn more about Fairtrade please e-mail the Sustainable Development Team.

 

The FAIRTRADE Mark

The Fairtrade Mark helps shoppers easily identify Fairtrade goods. It is a people-friendly stamp of approval, independently guaranteeing that producers get a fair price in return for their work and receive a better deal.

The scheme is run by a charity, the Fairtrade Foundation, and is only awarded to products that meet a strict set of criteria, including

• Decent wages.
• Minimum health and safety standards.
• A fair price.
• A long-term trading commitment.
• Good environmental standards.

Companies must sign an agreement covering trading terms, inspection and audit to receive the Fairtrade Mark for their products.

The Fairtrade Foundation 

The Fairtrade Foundation aims to alleviate poverty in the 'Third World' by encouraging industry and consumers to support fairer trade. It is an independent body and registered charity set up by Christian Aid, CAFOD, New Consumer, OXFAM, The World Development Movement and Traidcraft Exchange.

Address: Suite 204, 16 Baldwin Gardens, London, EC1N 7RJ
Tel: 0171 405 5942
Web: www.fairtrade.org.uk