Penarth Fairtrade Town Status

I was invited by the Mayor of Penarth Cllr Mark Wilson to attend a presentaion of Fair Trade Town Status, Penarth is the First Town within the Vale of Glamorgan to be awarded this Status.
FairTrade food and wine was served at the event which was prepared to the higest standard. I very much enjoyed the eveing and was very impressed with what the Mayor and his Committee had achived. and have pledged to acive Fair Trade Town Stautus for Llantwit Major.

Fairtarde is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers in developing countries.
The fair-trade foundation (backed by consumers) is engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness rising and campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

In May 2000, Garstang in Lancashire declared itself ‘the world’s first Fairtrade Town’. The campaign caught the imagination of local people, the interest of politicians, and made headlines across the north-west – not to mention hugely raising awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the area. March 2005 sees the declaration of the 100th Fairtrade Town.
Penarth Town has just become the first trade air town within the Vale of Glamorgan.
To become a Fair-trade Town (or any other populated area), 5 goals must be met:
The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.
A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments (targets are set in relation to population)
Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc) must have a certain number of retail untits selling fair-trade/serving
Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign
A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.