Marlborough is taking its first steps towards becoming a Fairtrade Town this week, with the formation of a team led by Marlborough Poverty Action Group, Marlborough Churches Together, Marlborough Brandt Group and Transition Marlborough.
The Fairtrade mark ensures farmers and workers receive a fair price for the products they produce and the work they do. It is estimated that £23m is the premium generated annually by sales of Fairtrade products and this goes to benefit these farmers worldwide.
The co-ordinator of the group, Allison Burden, said: “Marlborough is a town where ethical products are valued. Getting the coveted Fairtrade Town status not only promotes a fair deal for farmers and workers globally, it will add to Marlborough’s appeal as a place to visit.”
Ten towns in Wiltshire have already achieved Fairtrade status, and to follow suit Marlborough will have to fulfil five goals including:
having in place a resolution from the Town Council officially supporting Fairtrade
encouraging retail outlets to make at least four Fairtrade products available on their shelves
prompting schools, churches and other community institutions to serve Fairtrade products
For more information, contact Allison at aburden@equalitynow.org or Dr Nick Maurice at Marlborough Brandt Group at nick@mbg.org
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