Sandbach - A Fairtrade Town
Sandbach, a thriving historic market town in south Cheshire, was awarded Fairtrade Town status in July
2008 and an application to renew this status was approved by
Sandbach Town Council on 24 April 2014.
It may be a small market town, but the residents of Sandbach are part of a rapidly growing movement of change for justice.
Small farmers across the world, whether they be coffee farmers in Peru, cocoa farmers in Ghana, or dairy farmers in the UK are so often forced to sell their produce for less than it cost to produce it. Farmers and producers, both at home and abroad, need to be paid a fair price for their products. At home this means buying local produce from local shops, and supporting our farmers in expecting a fair price from the supermarkets.
When produce cannot be grown in the UK it means choosing Fairtrade.
Fairtrade is a rapidly growing international movement that guarantees a fair deal for disadvantaged farmers and workers in the developing world. It addresses the injustices of conventional trade which traditionally discriminates against the poorest. It enables them to improve their position and have control over their lives.
The Fairtrade Foundation has licensed over 3,000 Fairtrade certified products for sale through retail and catering outlets in the UK. From food to clothing and toiletries, many of these items can now be found for sale in Sandbach.
By buying Fairtrade Marked products and local produce we aren't just shopping but making a real difference in an unfair world.
For more information go to the Fairtrade Foundation website
Fairtrade facts
Although the concept of Fairtrade has been around for 40 years the formal labelling scheme started in the late 1980’s.
The Fairtrade mark is an independent consumer label which appears on products as a guarantee that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal.
Fairtrade guarantees a fair and stable price which covers the cost of sustainable production, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.
Fairtrade standards also protect and improve the environment. The Fairtrade premium is money paid on top of the Fairtrade minimum price that is invested in social, environmental and economic development projects. Usually these projects are decided by the workers.
The UK is one of the world’s leading Fairtrade markets, with more products and more awareness of Fairtrade than anywhere else. The UK market is doubling in value every 2 years, and in 2009 reached an estimated retail value of £799 million. Around 20% of roast and ground coffee, and 20% of bananas sold in the UK are now Fairtrade. Many products from food to clothing and toiletries now carry the Fairtrade mark.
Now 70% of the UK population recognises the Fairtrade mark.
For more information go to the Fairtrade Foundation website
How Sandbach Became a Fairtrade Town
In 2007 Cllr Deborah Darnes, a supporter of Fairtrade suggested that Sandbach Town Council work towards becoming a Fairtrade Town.
To become a Fairtrade Town five goals have to be met.
Goal 1 - the local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade.
Goal 2 - a range of (at least 2) Fairtrade products are readily available in the areas shops and served in local cafes.
Goal 3 - Fairtrade products are used by an appropriate number of local work places and community organisations.
Goal 4 - Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
Goal 5 - A local steering group is convened to ensure progress and continued commitment to the campaign.
This became part of the vision Statement drawn up by the Town Council and in September 2007 the Town Council voted in favour of a resolution to become a Fairtrade council and apply for Fairtrade Town status.
The Fairtrade Foundation awarded Sandbach Fairtrade Town status in July 2008.
For more information about becoming a Fairtrade town click here.
