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Should Harrogate Become a Fair Trade Town?
The Harrogate District Action for the Environment Group is
inviting members of the public to come to a talk on Fair Trade at
their meeting at 7.30 pm Tuesday 7 June 2005 at the Council Offices
in Harrogate.
Carmen Sawers, Manager of the Harrogate Fair Trade shop, will
be giving a talk entitled 'Fair Trade and the Environment - how
Fair Trade is good for people and the planet.'
This is the first step in a campaign aiming to gain Harrogate
Fair Trade Town status which recognises a local commitment to Fair
Trade products.
The Fair Trade principle ensures that farmers and other
producers in poorer countries are paid a fair price for their
products and a decent wage. In 1994, when the
Fair Trade Mark was introduced in the UK, the value of products
sold was £2.7m. In 2004 the total value was over £140m
in the UK, and around £500m worldwide, helping to improve the
lives of some 5 million workers in 49 countries.
John Scullion, Chairman of the Action for the Environment
Group said: "Fair Trade products are becoming
more widespread and many people are realising
that Fair Trade helps get third world producers a fair
deal. This public meeting is a chance for people to find out
more about Fair Trade and the benefits it has for individuals and
the environment. By becoming a Fair Trade town,
Harrogate could help promote this fast growing concept in which the
UK is the world leader."
Members of the public are invited to stay throughout the
discussion on Fair Trade, which is expected to last about an
hour. ENDS
Further information is available from Harrogate
Council's Environmental Strategy team on 01423
556909.
Note for Editors:
The aim of the Action for the Environment Group is to
stimulate new projects and promote environmental issues
particularly focusing on waste and recycling, energy, water waste,
transport and the local environment. The group consists of
representatives from local businesses, community groups, voluntary
organisations, environmental interest groups and public sector
organisations covering the Harrogate District