Cirencester is officially a Fairtrade Town! This is the result of a campaign that started over 2 years ago with the formation of an Action Group of enthusiasts who have worked with great dedication to spread the word about Fairtrade and encourage the availability of a great range of Fairtrade products in the town, and consequently the use of these products in Cirencester’s businesses and homes. The Group was met with tremendous support from individuals – especially children and young people – and institutions, including the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and many schools and churches.

Check out the map to find out where Fairtrade products are sold in the town by clicking on this link.

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is a strategy for alleviating poverty in developing countries in a long-term and self-sustaining way. Producers in developing countries, whether farmers or craftsmen, are small and ‘weak’ in commercial terms and are disadvantaged by conventional trading systems which are dominated by large and powerful companies that set prices and trading conditions to benefit themselves. Under the Fairtrade system, by contrast, producers in developing countries are guaranteed a long-term trading relationship that adheres to a Fairtrade minimum price set at a level to ensure that their businesses are sustainable and can grow and develop. In addition, Fairtrade buyers pay a ‘Fairtrade Premium’ on top of the Fairtrade price which has to be invested in community development projects (often in health or education) decided upon by the producers involved. Farmers can invest in business and agricultural development.

What can we all do to help?

First and foremost, we can look for the Fairtrade logo when shopping and try to make some of our staple purchases routinely Fairtrade: obvious examples are tea, coffee and bananas, but the range of goods available is much greater than that, even in the big supermarkets, and includes chocolate, wine, flowers, cotton and footballs for example. To find out about the range of Fairtrade products go to www.fairtrade.org.uk/products/.

Secondly, we can keep asking for more Fairtrade products from suppliers, whether that is a favourite coffee shop or the caterers at work or school. This is essentially a grass-roots-led movement.

Thirdly, please don’t automatically dismiss Fairtrade products as ‘too expensive’. They can be more expensive, but for a good reason: remember that the extra you pay is going to the producers and their communities in fair prices for farmers and funding for community projects.

2011 Competition

In association with Fairtrade Cirencester, Cirencester Town Council launched a photographic competition for schools/colleges, businesses, families and individuals to enter. We asked for photos depicting the most interesting and innovative way of showing off the Fairtrade label and in promoting the Fairtrade fortnight between 28th February and 13th March 2011.

The closing date for entries was Friday, 8th April and we're delighted to announce that a Fairtrade Commendation Award was presented to Chesterton Primary School at the Council's Annual Town Meeting on 26th May 2011, for its commitment to Fairtrade. 

After the meeting there was an amazing presentation and workshop by Omanye African Drumming & Dance UK (last year's Fairtrade Competition Business Winner - www.omanye.co.uk).  The workshop was held for some of the children from Chesterton Primary School, who looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves, with even some of the parents joining in too!

The winner of the previous year's poster competition is displayed on the right as a logo.