Being a Fairtrade town contributes to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty and enabling producers from poor countries to get a better deal. It is a means of raising the profile and sales of Fairtrade products so that more producers in developing countries can benefit from a fairer system of trade. Increasing the demand for Fairtrade products increases the possibility that more producers can be brought within the scope of Fairtrade.
A Fairtrade Town is one that has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade and, through it, to support disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries. What this means on a practical level is that within the community there will be a significant level of awareness and understanding of the concept of Fairtrade.
To become a Fairtrade Town there are five goals that need to be met:
- Ipswich Borough Council has passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade and serves Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices.
- Fairtrade products are readily available in the area's shops, cafes and catering establishments. See our Ipswich to Fairtrade Directory.
- Fairtrade products are used by a range of local workplaces and community organisations within the town. Email us your details to fairtrade@ipswich.gov.uk to be included in our directory.
- Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign. We are developing a media library highlighting our actions over the last year.
- A local Steering Group has been established to ensure that there is continued support and commitment and support for Fairtrade within our town.