FINDING new ways to promote fairtrade in Stratford is the focus of a meeting next week.
It follows the announcement Traidcraft – the organisation responsible for Stratford’s status as a ‘fairtrade town’ – is radically reducing the range of goods it sells.
Fairtrade Stratford chair Roger Matthews said: “A number of local organisations, especially local churches, have relied on Traidcraft for supplies of fairtrade goods.
“The meeting will discuss the implications of Traidcraft’s decision and how we can make sure that fairtrade goods are still available locally.
“We also know that Traidcraft’s decision will mean many fairtrade producers in developing countries will no longer have ways to get their goods to Britain. We will be looking at ways we can support these producers to make changes that enable them to continue to trade their goods.”
Stratford was officially recognised as a fairtrade town in 2007.
Traidcraft supports small-scale farmers and producers by guaranteeing fair prices which allows them to afford life’s essentials – like food, education and healthcare.
In return, they guarantee environmental and labour standards, so benefits are widely spread through communities.
The event takes place on Monday December 10 at Stratford Quaker Meeting House in Maidenhead Road, at 7.30 pm.
Call Roger Matthews on 01789 298503 for further information.
