The Fairtrade Foundation has awarded Watford Fairtrade Town Campaign another three years certification as a Fairtrade Town.
Watford Fairtrade Campaign Group have worked hard to maintain and enhance understanding of the Fairtrade system among the residents of Watford
The group have organised a wide range of activities to support their aims, including: Awareness Raising Stands in the Harlequin Centre each year, Fairtrade meals at West Herts College Restaurant, posters on the digital advertising boards in the High Street during Fairtrade Fortnight, Churches using and promoting Fairtrade and continuing support from the Elected Mayor and Watford Borough Council.
Fairtrade products available in UK include teas, coffees, chocolate, sugar, biscuits, fruit, gold, cotton clothing and coffins. There are over 4,000 Fairtrade products available in the UK.
The Fairtrade system pays farmers fair wages, enables them to feed their families, pay school fees for their children to go to school and ac cess healthcare clinics to maintain their health.
Chair of Watford Fairtrade Town Campaign, Brian Mee, said: “Thank you to everyone who buys Fairtrade products when shopping and for helping to lift farmers and workers around the world out of poverty. Since 2007, Watford has proudly been a Fairtrade Town, and we are grateful to Watford Borough Council for their continued support over the years. By including just one Fairtrade product in their weekly shopping, residents of Watford can make a real difference to the quality of life of farmers, workers, and their families.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am delighted that our town’s Fairtrade status has been renewed for another three years. Watford has proudly been a Fairtrade town since 2007, and we continue to encourage residents to make conscious purchasing decisions. Choosing Fairtrade products has a positive impact on communities worldwide. By doing so, they can enjoy the fantastic range of Fairtrade products available, which also benefit the planet and its people.”
The Mayor has been a key supporter of the local Fairtrade Campaign and has always attended events organised by the local group.
The Fairtrade Co-operatives of which farmers are members also receive Fairtrade Premiums which are used to build infrastructure for their villages and towns. These include building storage facilities, clinics, roads, schools, houses for teachers in remote areas, training courses for adults in farming methods, such as growing organic produce and many other major schemes to benefit the communities.
Learn more about the Fairtrade Foundation
