From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, May 08,2008

FREE CHOCOLATE being given away at Devon County Council's stand at the Devon County Show this year is sure to be a big draw.

The 'Divine' brand Fairtrade chocolate will be up for grabs from the Fairtrade Devon stall which will be in the Devon County Council marquee.

Fairtrade Devon is working towards making Devon a Fairtrade county by the autumn.

The Group's stall will also feature free stickers and plenty of information about Fairtrade.

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 a fair price and an additional social premium, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional markets which traditionally discriminate against the poorest producers. 

There are over 2000 Fairtrade certified products in the UK now, from tea to fresh fruit, cotton to sports balls.

In order to be declared a Fairtrade county by the Fairtrade Foundation, the Devon Fairtrade Steering Group has to demonstrate that a certain proportion of shops, cafes and other outlets carry Fairtrade products, and a proportion of employers are using Fairtrade products in their canteens, vending machines and other outlets.

Councillor Chris Bray, who sits on the Steering Group, said: "The Devon County Show is an ideal platform for Devon to promote Fairtrade - and what better way to do it than by giving away this tasty chocolate! Just simply by changing the brand of chocolate bar we buy can have a massive effect on people's lives in the developing world.

"Devon County Council now uses fairly traded goods where possible in catering for Council meetings and functions and other council events. We are also looking at the Council's wholesalers, including printing and stationary, to see if they stock fairly-traded products. We hope people take the opportunity to find out more from the Fairtrade group at the County Show and make simple but effective changes to their buying habits."

Following the huge success of last years event, the Don't let Devon go to waste partnership tent also returns to the showground this year. With over 8,000 visitors to the stand last year, Devon's Recycling Officers are bracing themselves for even more interest this year.

Devon is on the brink of announcing a record breaking recycling rate for the County, and interest in reducing, reusing and recycling waste has never been stronger. Visitors' comments from last year helped shape this year's display which will feature a giant plastic mountain, a compost area and a stark illustration of the effects of our current lifestyle on our environment.

Other highlights, all aimed at celebrating Devon and making the county greener - to be enjoyed include:

                    Bike stunt star Andrei Burton

                    Douglas Mounce and the Great Devon Quiz

                    Authors Michael Morpurgo, Simon Hall and Belinda Seward encouraging people to join their local libraries

                    Information about glorious Devon walks from the Public Rights of Way team

                    Cycling safely for commuting and pleasure with the Cycle Exeter team

                    How to cut your petrol bills using Travelwise/car share Devon

                    Fairtrade Devon who are aiming to make Devon a Fairtrade County by the end of the year

                    The Devon Rocks initiative which is drawing people's attention to Devon's geological riches and heritage

                    Information on children's centres, fostering, Devon schools and a drive to recruit childcare workers

                    Professor Fumbles, who will be keeping the children entertained all day.

For more information log onto www.fairtradedevon.org.uk or www.fairtrade.org.uk