> Fairtrade City

One World Centre: Fairtrade

What is Fair Trade?

Millions of families in developing countries don't get a fair share of the wealth created by their own skill and effort, and the resources of their land. This is largely because of the way international trade is controlled by the rich countries. It is a system which is both unjust and a major cause of continuing world poverty. Fair trade is not about charity, but aims to give a fair deal to marginalised 'third world' producers. This means paying fair prices, giving credit when needed and ensuring a long term trading commitment.

The Fairtrade Mark

In March 1994, the Fairtrade Foundation launched the Fairtrade Mark. The logo shows a person, hand held high, symbolising someone shouting about the importance of fair trade.

The Mark is an independent consumer label, awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation to products that meet a strict set of criteria, guaranteeing:

• decent wages

• a fair price

• credit terms

• worker representation in trade union activities

• adequate living conditions and minimum health and safety standards

• good environmental standards

• no child or forced labour

The Fairtrade Foundation checks that products meet its standards before awarding the stamp of approval. There are now over 3000 products bearing the Fairtrade Mark, including tea, coffee, honey, chocolate, biscuits, bananas, fruit juice and wine.

What You Can Do

• buy products with the Fairtrade Mark whenever you can

• check that your local supermarkets and health food shops staock fairtrade products, and if not, ask them to do so

• tell your friends and colleagues about fairtrade products

• give fairtrade goods as gifts to your family and friends

• join the One World Centre and campaign for a fairer trading system!

Cocoa farmers Comfort Kwasibbea
and Comfort Assari-Kwei

The Fairtrade School Award

click here for further information

The Fairtrade Foundation has launched a new award scheme for schools which have worked successfully towards five goals. The One World Centre is happy to support schools with :

Dundee Fair Trade Forum

For many years the One World Centre campaigned on Fair Trade issues. In 2002 the Centre set up the Dundee Fair Trade Forum. Its aim was to work towards making Dundee a Fairtrade City. This was achieved in March 2004.
In September 2006 the Forum became a separate organisation with its own constitution. The One World Centre is an active member of the Forum.

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