Abingdon Fairtrade group

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: [What is fair trade?]
A: [Fair trade is a system that not only aims to pay fair wages, but also to support participatory workplaces; ensure environmental sustainability; supply financial and technical assistance; respect cultural identity, offer public accountability, and educate consumers about the choices that they can make in their regular shopping habits. Fair trade businesses foster long-term and direct relationships with producers in the developing world, because they know these connections are a highly effective way to help producers help themselves. Fair trade is not about charity; it uses a fair system of exchange to empower producers and to create sustainable development.]

---

Q: [Do fair trade goods cost more than comparable non-fair trade goods?]
A: [Generally, fairly traded items don't cost more than other goods, because fair trade businesses work directly with producers - cutting out anywhere from 3 - 10 middlemen who raise the price along the way in conventional trading. The cost to consumers typically remains the same while a higher percentage of the price is returned to the artisans and farmers who made the product.answer here]

---

Q: [How does one know that a particular item or business is fair trade?]
A: [Members of the Fair Trade Federation undergo a rigorous screening process to determine if their businesses meet fair trade standards. Member businesses will usually display the FTF logo and be listed on the FTF website.]

What is a Fairtrade Town?

 

The granting of Fairtrade Town status is one of the functions of the Fairtrade Foundation. To achieve it, a town has to meet five goals. These are: 

• The Local Council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices and canteens. Both the Abingdon Town council and the Vale of White Horse District Council passed the appropriate resolutions.
• A range of at least two Fairtrade products are readily available in the area's shops. Fairtrade products are served in local cafes/catering establishments. The target number is 1 of each category (retail and catering) per 5,000 population. The Abingdon area achieved the requisite numbers, based on its population of 35,000.
• Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc). Abingdon achieved the required numbers for both categories (workplaces and community organisations).
• Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign. During the three years it took to meet the goals, regular press coverage was achieved, mostly in the Abingdon Herald.
• A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town Status. From the beginning, a small group of people was formed to seek Fairtrade Town status. It was convened under the auspices of the Abingdon Chamber of Trade. The Convenor of Abingdon Traidcraft Group has been an active member of the Steering Group. The Group is now wanting to extend its membership in order to further the promotion of Fair Trade.