Fair Trade Blog

Europeans have always been ahead of us Americans in embracing Fairtrade.  In Europe, whole towns and villages have adopted fair trade as a principle of commerce.  Two countries are now racing toward becoming the first Fairtrade country. 

In December, it was announced that Caerphilly, a Welsh town is trying to become the latest town to gain fairtrade status in Wales to help that country become the first Fairtrade country.   Wales is just three towns shy of gaining the coveted title of first in the world. 

The tiny alpine country of Leichtenstein is also working toward the title, but it appears that Wales currently is closer to the goal according to the Max Havelaar Foundation which is monitoring and verifying the process. 

To become a Fairtrade country, towns and counties have embarked on a campaign to offer fairtrade products in their public spaces such as in workplaces, schools, churchs and government facilities.  Then the products must reach a certain target number of the population. 

The whole point, expressed by Robert Parker-Munn, former Mayor of Llanidloes in Powys county, which has already acheived Fairtrade status, is “becoming a Fairtrade nation is Wales’ chance to make a positive difference to the world.”

We have a long way to go in this country in embracing the positive contributions of Fairtrade.  Media, Pennsylvania is the only Fairtrade community in the US. 

Is it possible your county, town, or city could gain Fairtrade status?  Check out this link to find out how to get Fairtrade status for your community.  Perhaps its time to close the gap with the europeans in the Fairtrade race. 

Keep shopping your good values! 

Kile