Tower and Town, October 2015 (view the full edition)Fair Trade Status Is Marlborough's AimA group of Fairtrade campaigners from Marlborough met in June to plan becoming a Fairtrade Town by 2016. Representatives from the Marlborough Poverty Action Group, Marlborough Churches Together, Marlborough Brandt Group and Transition Marlborough along with Fairtrade campaigners from Devizes and Bradford on Avon met to explore the possibility of becoming a Fairtrade town by 2016 and to plan next steps. Also invited along as a guest was civic leader, the Town Mayor of Marlborough, Councillor Margaret Rose. It is estimated that 1.5 million farmers, 25% of them women, currently living and working in developing countries are benefiting from the Fairtrade movement. The Fairtrade mark ensures farmers and workers receive a fair price for the products they produce and the work they do. It is estimated that £23m is the premium generated annually by sales of Fairtrade products and this goes to benefit these farmers worldwide. Coordinator of the group - Alison Burden - said, 'Marlborough is a town where ethical products are valued. Getting the coveted Fairtrade Town status not only promotes a fair deal for farmers and workers globally, it will add to Marlborough's appeal as a place to visit." Ten towns in Wiltshire have already achieved Fairtrade status and to follow suit Marlborough will have to fulfil five goals including: having in place a resolution from the Town Council officially supporting Fairtrade; encouraging retail outlets to make at least 4 Fairtrade products available on their shelves; and prompting schools, churches and other community institutions to serve Fairtrade products. aburden@equalitynow.org / 01672 700268 Alison Burden |