Fairtrade

International trade is a key feature in the lives of millions of small scale producers in the developing world. By buying Fairtrade products UK consumers can play an important role in improving the often desperate situation facing producers and their families in today's unpredictable world markets.

The Fairtrade Mark is an independent certification scheme that guarantees that the producer in the developing world is getting a better deal. Fairtrade products, bought direct from farmers at a minimum price that covers the cost of production and an extra premium invested in the local community, allow farmers and other producers to earn a decent livelihood and lift families and communities out of poverty

Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group

The Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group was set up in late 2005 by a group of local people keen to achieve Fairtrade Borough status for Tower Hamlets and welcomes everyone to its group

The group includes representatives of local development campaign groups, churches and faith groups, universities and other community and education organisations as well as officers of Tower Hamlets council. The aims of the Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group are to:

• provide local residents and community groups with information about Fairtrade and development issues
• encourage local groups to hold events, especially during Fairtrade Fortnight
• increase awareness of Fairtrade among consumers and retailers
• support development education work in schools
• encourage local businesses to stock, use and promote Fairtrade products
• produce and maintain a Fairtrade directory for Tower Hamlets

Fairtrade Fortnight

The key activities of the Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group are to promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight, which in 2010 runs from 22 February to 2 March, and maintaining Fairtrade Borough status for Tower Hamlets (awarded in October 2006 by the Fairtrade Foundation).

In order to meet the criteria five goals had to be met:

1. The council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.
2. A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments.
3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc).
4. The council must attract popular support for the campaign.
5. A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.

Further information

• Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Group 
• Fairtrade London
• Fairtrade Foundation 

How to contact us

Sustainable Development Team
Development and Renewal
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 1BY

Tel: 020 7364 2523
Fax: 020 7364 2533

e-mail: fairtrade@towerhamlets.gov.uk