7 January 2009

Guildford is now a fully-fledged Fairtrade borough thanks to the joint efforts of local residents, organisations and Guildford’s Fairtrade steering group.

The town gained Fairtrade status in 2005.  Being a Fairtrade borough means the public can be confident that products have been traded fairly, helping to tackle poverty and exploitation.

Says Lead Councillor for Projects and Performance, Cllr Nigel Manning: “Guildford’s contribution to farmers in developing countries has been recognised with the award of Fairtrade borough status.  It is the result of a lot of hard work over the past few years to encourage people to buy and stock Fairtrade goods. 

“Now, shoppers, visitors and workers throughout the whole borough can choose drinks, snacks and other goods at a number of outlets that they know have been ethically traded. Having Fairtrade borough status means other products could also become more widely available,” adds Cllr Manning.

In addition to support from the Council, 12 schools and 5 community groups, a total of 34 retailers, 14 catering outlets and 8 work places now stock Fairtrade products, and 25 local churches have Fairtrade church status.

A number of events aimed at promoting and supporting Fairtrade will be held across the borough during Fairtrade fortnight, from Monday 23 February to Sunday 8 March.  For more information on these events and the Fairtrade scheme, visit the Fairtrade pages or call 01483 444509.