Carmarthenshire retains Fairtrade status

CARMARTHENSHIRE has retained its Fairtrade status.

The county was awarded the accolade in June 2009 and the Fairtrade Foundation has renewed the status for another two years.

The Carmarthenshire’s Fairtrade Streering Group had to submit an application for renewal showing the progress made during the last year.

The group has been working to raise the awareness and availability of Fairtrade in the county in various ways.

There are now 37 retail outlets and 22 catering outlets selling/using two or more Fairtrade products throughout the county. Furthermore, Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen now have their own Fairtrade groups.

The council also has a corporate sustainable procurement policy which includes a strong commitment to purchasing ethical and Fairtrade goods.

Work has been ongoing with schools, colleges, community organisations and businesses including a focus on tourism.

Two of the county’s schools have also achieved Fairtrade status – Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland and Ysgol Gynradd Llanddarog, with many more working towards it.

Councillor Pam Palmer, the council’s executive board member for sustainable development, said: “I am delighted Carmarthenshire has kept its Fairtrade status, it is a fantastic achievement as a key part of being a Fairtrade county is constantly improving the availability and awareness of Fairtrade.

“Continued support is very important as Fairtrade helps producers in the developing world work their way out of poverty. A child dies of poverty every three seconds, and many of those living in poverty produce the food and clothes that we take for granted. Fair Trade can help to change that. It’s an opportunity for people to improve their lives and the lives of their families, and is as simple as the choices you make on your weekly shop.”