Fairtrade policy gets the go-ahead in Waverley

10.08.00am GMT Wed 23rd Feb 2005

Waverley residents who believe in giving producers from the developing world a fair price for their crops will be pleased to hear that Lib Dem-controlled Waverley agreed to a Fairtrade Policy. This was at a recent full council meeting where councillors voted to adopt this Fairtrade Policy for Waverley and its residents.

The principles that the Fairtrade Foundation has set out are that producers should be paid a sufficient figure to cover the cost of production so that they can invest in future development and that the producers are offered longer term contracts.

Waverley fully supports these principals and as well as encouraging retailers and businesses to use and stock Fairtrade products, the council is also adopting Fairtrade practices.

Councillor Gillian Ferguson, Leader of the Council says: "Many Waverley residents wish to buy more ethical products and becoming more aware of the availability of Fairtrade products. Waverley is making a small but significant contribution towards improving the quality of life for farming communities in other countries. I encourage residents to buy Fairtrade products where possible."

The Fairtrade movement has become more widely known in recent years with major supermarkets and other retailers stocking products such as bananas, tea, coffee, honey, wine and juice. The Fairtrade Mark ensures that producers and farmers in the developing world get a fair price for their goods.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Fairtrade should call 01483 523340.