Join Fairtrade group and help make a difference

RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire are being asked to take a step for Fairtrade and help get a better deal for farmers and their families in the developing world.

The Carmarthenshire Fairtrade Group is next meeting at Trinity University in Carmarthen on Thursday, December 8 at 1pm and residents are being invited to go along and get involved.

Carmarthenshire was awarded Fairtrade status in June 2009 and the Carmarthenshire Fairtrade Group is working to raise the awareness and availability of Fairtrade across the county.

Llanelli, Ammanford, Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn now have their own Fairtrade groups and four of the county’s schools have achieved Fairtrade status – Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland, Laugharne VCP School, Ysgol Gynradd Llanddarog and Ysgol Iau Llangennech, with many more working towards it.

Sustainability Champion Cllr Pam Palmer said: “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. Fairtrade 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.”

In 2012, the Fairtrade Foundation is asking everyone to take a step for Fairtrade. It can be a simple step, like swapping your tea to Fairtrade, or a bigger step, like asking everyone in your office to do it too. Whatever step you take, you’ll be joining thousands of others all over the UK when you take a step for Fairtrade. Every step counts for millions of farmers, workers and their communities in developing countries who urgently need a better deal from trade.

If you would like to help promote Fairtrade, or are able to come to the meeting on December 8, please call Eurgain Powell (01267 224092) for more information on the Fairtrade campaign in Carmarthenshire.