Published on:
04
September 2012
The Fairtrade Foundation have announced that Clackmannanshire is now recognised as a Fairtrade Zone.
This is the result of over a year's work by the Clackmannanshire Fairtrade steering group, which is made up of local volunteers, who are dedicated to making world trade fair, with support from Council officers, the Co-operative Group and the Alloa Town Centre BID.
Provost Tina Murphy, who represents Clackmannanshire Council on the steering group, said: "I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that the county has been recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation as a Fairtrade Zone.
"The group has run a number of events in Clackmannanshire to raise awareness of Fairtrade, as well as working with individual schools and businesses, and this award has been earned by so many dedicated people."
Clackmannanshire's Fairtrade steering group was formed in Summer 2011 made up of volunteers from Clackmannanshire's communities who are committed to promoting Fairtrade and working for trade justice.
In January 2012 the Council unanimously passed a resolution agreeing to support Fairtrade and supporting the bid for Clackmannanshire to become a Fairtrade Zone
Provost Murphy added: "To be awarded Fairtrade Zone status, the steering group had to achieve a number of goals including one of the most important, that a range of Fairtrade products had to be readily available in the area's shops and served in local cafes and catering establishments."
Fairtrade products are used by an appropriate number of local work places and community organisations in Clackmannanshire and have attracted media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
A local Fairtrade steering group was convened to ensure continued commitment to attaining its Fairtrade status.
The group has run a number of public events, including an African cooking evening, an art competition for children, a talk by a Palestinian olive oil producer, and a Fairtrade Fayre in Alloa High Street.
The steering group also worked closely with local schools and businesses to raise awareness of Fairtrade and increase the use and availability of Fairtrade products.
Provost Murphy went on: "The Fairtrade steering group is looking forward to continuing the campaign and contributing to making world trade more fair. There are plans for Alloa, Dollar and Alva to apply to be recognised as Fairtrade Towns."
John Lamond, chair of the steering group, said: "The campaign has been very successful over a relatively short period of time because the people of Clackmannanshire have taken the issue to their hearts. The member of the steering group are very grateful for all the assistance they have been given from many quarters and look forward to maintaining an informing role on the subject for the people of Clackmannanshire."