Fairtrade Stamford

The Fairtrade Foundation in Britain recognises cities and towns that have achieved certain levels in the promotion and availability of Fairtrade Products, by awarding them the status of being a Fairtrade Town. In order to become a Fairtrade Town, a place must achieve the following five goals:

• The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.
• A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area's shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments (targets are set in relation to population).
• Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers, etc.) and community organisations (churches, schools, etc.)
• The council must attract popular support for the campaign.
• A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.

Stamford became a Fairtrade Town in November 2006, having achieved all of the goals listed above.

However, there is potential for a greater market for Fairtrade products in Stamford, and the Stamford Fairtrade steering group is trying to increase the number of consumers buying Fairtrade products, and the number of businesses selling and serving them.