What is Fairtrade?
Fairtrade provides a way for consumers to show their commitment to a fairer world.
It 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 sustainable prices – which must never fall lower than the market price – Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
Seven million disadvantaged producers, workers, and their families are benefiting from Fairtrade, but they, and millions more, still remain at the mercy of unfair international trade rules. That’s why we need to do more than buy Fairtrade products – we also need to campaign for trade justice. The fact that Fairtrade has allowed producers to transform their lives, also shows that the current system of trade is not working.
Oldham as a Fairtrade Borough
In 2007 Oldham Council began the process of Oldham becoming a Fairtrade Borough.
A Fairtrade Borough is one where the importance of fair trade is recognised, and the local authority, groups, and individuals are committed to supporting and promoting fair trade.
Oldham first achieved accreditation from The Fairtrade Foundation back in 2008 thanks to the help of scores of volunteers from local businesses.
If you would like to be involved in empowering consumers to take responsibility for the role they play when they buy products from the third world, contact the Fairtrade in Oldham group at fairtradeinoldham@gmail.com. New volunteers are always welcome.
There are now over 300 Fairtrade towns as well as more than 200 areas campaigning towards status. The phenomenon has not stopped at the border. There are now Fairtrade Town campaigns in 15 countries around the world and all of these have been inspired by the example in the UK.
For more information on Fairtrade, visit their website www.fairtrade.org.uk/