Devon County Council

Fairtrade facts

Fairtrade 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. Many of the goods are tropical and do not compete with local farmers.

Find our more about Fairtrade at www.fairtradedevon.org.uk

Fairtrade county

Devon was first awarded Fairtrade county status in October 2008. The Fairtrade Foundation assessed Devon's progress in March 2010 and we were delighted to have our status maintained. This is a great achievement and reflects the commitment to Fairtrade of many people in all parts of Devon - retailers, cafes and restaurants, employers, schools, community groups, faith groups as well as local Councils.

To help achieve Fairtrade status Devon County Council passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agreed a number of actions including switching to Fairtrade tea and coffee. This work has continued and our track record now includes all non-self performing primary schools providing Fairtrade orange and apple juice and our catering and hospitality services offering a range of Fairtrade products. The County Hall kitchen/shop stocks a range of Fairtrade items including chocolate, biscuits, juice and fruit. The catering service also offers a range of Fairtrade items.

Devon County Council works with Fairtrade Devon and the Global Centre to promote the benefits of Fairtrade and encourage individuals, communities, organisations and companies to take action in support of Fairtrade. The County Council has a long and established role in promoting fair and ethnical trading and Fairtrade is a natural extension of that support.

Devon County Council’s Fairtrade Priorities for 2011-12

We will:

• Look for innovative opportunities to promote the principles and values of Fairtrade.
• Attract the interest of more supporters, especially businesses.
• Raise awareness of the full range of Faitrade products.
• Deepen peoples understanding of what Fairtrade does and why it is so important.

To find out more about the County Council’s role in supporting Fairtrade please contact angela.welch@devon.gov.uk or nicola.tribble@devon.gov.uk.

Fairtrade Fortnight

Take a Step in 2012: Fairtrade Fortnight 27 February - 11 March

A small step taken here in the UK can make a big difference to the lives of farmers and workers around the world. That's why Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 is all about 'Taking a Step for Fairtrade'. Here’s how to start your Fairtrade journey:

• Swap a regular product for a Fairtrade one
• Ask your local shop to increase their Fairtrade range
• Talk to others about the benefits of Fairtrade.

Once you’ve taken your step, you can make sure it’s counted by visiting http://step.fairtrade.org.uk

Get crafty for Fairtrade

To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, Devon County Council, Education and Learning are offering free Fairtrade-themed bag decorating workshops.

Those taking part can decorate a Fairtrade cotton shopping bag using Fairtrade and ethically sourced materials to create a unique and personal re-usable bag, while also learning about decorating techniques and the principles of Fairtrade.

Find out more about our free workshop (206KB - pdf help) or take a look at our Adult Learning pages.

Meet Fairtrade producers from Pakistan

We are delighted to be hosting two Fairtrade producers locally - Sher and Roshan Ghazi (Sher Ghazi, pictured above) will be visiting Devon to share their experiences of Fairtrade and how it works for fruit and nut growing communities in Pakistan. If you would like to meet them or submit a question for us to ask on your behalf please email angela.welch@devon.gov.uk.