Join Fairtrade group and help make a difference
We are currently running a fairtrade group please click here to find out more information.
Carmarthenshire – a Fairtrade county
In May 2009, Carmarthenshire was successful in its application to become a Fairtrade county. We now have two fairtrade towns in the county (Ammanford and Carmarthen) and groups working towards achieving fairtrade status for Llanelli and Newcastle Emlyn. If you wish to join in the campaign please let us know.
Wales – first fairtrade nation
On June 6th 2008 Wales made history and became the first ever Fair Trade nation.
The announcement followed a two-year campaign by Fair Trade Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, to increase the availability of Fair Trade products in towns, cities and counties across Wales, and encouraging schools, businesses and other organisations to switch to Fair Trade.
Fair Trade is a partnership between consumers in the west and producers in developing countries
Many of the products that we buy in supermarkets are grown by people who are not paid properly for their work, and as a result who have to live in poverty.
Furthermore many items are produced in terrible working conditions, with children working over 80 hours a week with dangerous chemicals.
Fair Trade guarantees:
- A fair price to producers in developing countries
- A 'living wage' for these producers
- No child labour
- Safe working conditions
- Protection for the environment
- Rights for women
- A social premium
The Fairtrade Mark is displayed on products that meet these guarantees, as all products that display the mark are independently audited to ensure they are genuinely providing a fair deal for producers.
Fairtrade is about creating opportunities for producers in the developing world to receive a fair price for their goods and to work their way out of poverty.
Put simply, it is an opportunity for them to improve their lives and the lives of their families, and is as simple as the choices you make on your weekly shop.
There are over 1500 fairtrade products now available.
Carmarthenshire county council is a fairtrade council which means that all our members have passed a resolution in support of fairtrade, and we will procure and promote fairtrade products through our catering services and meetings.
We are also part of the Carmarthenshire fairtrade group who are working towards achieving fairtrade status for the whole of Carmarthenshire.
For further information please visit http://www.fairtradewales.com