Fair Trade Country Campaign
"Wales is showing how a small country can take steps to bring about a big change - and in the case of Fair Trade making a huge impact on the lives of third world producers and their families."
Jane Davidson, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
On June 6th 2008 Wales made history and became the first ever Fair Trade country. The announcement followed a two-year campaign by the Wales Fair Trade Forum, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, to increase the availability of Fair Trade products in towns, cities and counties across Wales, and encouraging schools, businesses and other organisations to switch to Fair Trade.
Fair Trade Nation milestones were set by the Wales Fair Trade Forum (including Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Traidcraft, Tearfund, TCC) in agreement with the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, and in consultation with the Fairtrade Foundation. Some of the milestones met include:
• 100% of counties have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status
• 100% of cities have Fairtrade status
• Over 55% of towns have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status
• 60% of HE institutions have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status
• 75% of people know about Fair Trade
• Over 400 schools across Wales are signed up to become Fairtrade schools
• A real and lasting commitment to Fair Trade has been made by the Welsh Assembly Government
This is a brilliant achievement but in order to maintain and improve Wales' position as a Fair Trade Nation - the awareness and consumption of Fair Trade by the people, organisations and businesses of Wales must continue to grow.
If you would like to help support Wales' position as the first Fair Trade nation and make a real difference to the lives of producers in developing countries, you can:
1. Choose to buy Fair Trade products- look out for the Fairtrade mark when shopping in the supermarket or visit your nearest Fair Trade shop
2. Join your local Fairtrade steering group, and help to increase the availability and awareness of Fair Trade in your community. If there isn't already a steering group, then why not set one up!
3. Join the Fair Trade Wales supporter list by emailing info@fairtradewales.com
Click here to find out more about getting involved.
Click here to download the full Fair Trade nation report