How To Achieve Fair Trade Status

Did you know that towns can actually be awarded2. Commerce. Fairtrade products must be available in
with Fairtrade status? A town which is rewarded withlocal retail outlets. These should include local shops,
this recognition has proven its commitment toretail markets, gas stations, restaurants, bars, etc..
support the Fairtrade movement. They do thisWhen creating the Fairtrade application, include the
basically by using products with the Fairtrade mark,locations of all retail outlets that currently sell
among other goals which I'll talk about later in thisFairtrade products. 
article.3. Community. Local community groups should
Any area that wants to can try to achieve Fairtradesupport Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products
status, but everyone needs to work towards thiswhenever they can. Community groups include
goal in unison.schools, churches, etc... You'll need to show how
Garstand in Lacashire was originally declare the verymany community groups in your area currently
first Fairtrade town. After them, many other townssupport the Fairtrade movement, so make it as
have followed suit. Now there are over 400 Fairtrademany as possible.
towns in all, as well as 200+ more currently working4. Common Consensus. There should be some form
towards Fairtrade status. of media coverage and/or events that will raise the
Let's talk more about how your town can achievelocal awareness for the current Fairtrade movement
Fair Trade status.that's going on in the town. This will help the populace
There are 5 primary goals which each town needs toget energized about the campaign. Keep track of all
meet in order to be considered for approval. They'reof the media coverage regarding the Fairtrade
easily remembered as the "Five C's":campaign, you're going to need it later for your
1. Councilapplication.
2. Commerce5. Captains. A Fairtrade leadership group is established
3. Communityto make sure that the Fairtrade campaign within the
4. Common Consensustown continues to grow and attract local support.
5. CaptainsThis is the last and most important step to make
I'll go into these a bit more in detail, starting with thesure the Fairtrade campaign achieves longevity. With
top.the application, include a list of all of these group
1. Council. Council refers to the first goal where themembers, their roles within the group, as well as full
local town council must pass a resolution thatcontact details.
supports the Fairtrade movement, and all agree toAfter all these goals are met you'll need to submit an
use Fairtrade products (like in local official meetings,application with fairtrade.org.uk. In order to get your
public offices, etc...). When making your application,application approved make sure you follow the tips
include a copy of the precise wording of thelisted by each goal.
resolution that was passed by the council.