5 March 2008

Gwynedd celebrates Fair Trade fortnight

With Fair Trade Fortnight being celebrated throughout the country, Gwynedd Council has being doing its bit by holding various events to support this important campaign.

Gwynedd Council is working closely with the County’s Fair Trade Forum to present an application to ensure Gwynedd’s Fair Trade status. Various fair trade products such as tea and coffee are already available at the Council’s offices, and a special fair trade stand has been held at Gwynedd Council’s main reception throughout Fair Trade Fortnight (28 February – 9 March).

Councilor R H Wyn Williams, Chair of the Gwynedd Fair Trade Working Group said:

“The Council is very proud to support Fair Trade Fortnight, and we are working hard with our partners to ensure that Gwynedd will be awarded Fair Trade status very shortly.

“The aim of this fortnight of events held throughout the country is to raise awareness about the importance of supporting fair trade produce, so that we can all do our part to help workers in less developed countries to get a fair price for their goods.”

You may also remember that the Council recently held a competition in its own magazine “Newyddion Gwynedd” which supported the Fair Trade message. In it, there was an opportunity to win a special hamper full of fair trade goodies. Councilor R H Wyn Williams, Chair of the Gwynedd Fair Trade Working Group presented the prize to the first name out of the hat, which was Roger Harrison from Borth y Gest. Many congratulations to him.

PHOTOGRAPH: Councilor R H Wyn Williams who chairs the Gwynedd Fair Trade Working Group presenting a prize to the Harrison family from Borth y Gest who won a fair trade hamper as part of the Council’s Newyddion Gwynedd competition.

Fair Trade is a partnership between producers in developing countries, and consumers that ensures they receive good working conditions and fair prices.

It is trade that promotes sustainable development by improving market access for disadvantaged producers. It seeks to provide decent, sustainable livelihoods for producers through a partnership between those involved in the trading process and consumers.