Council urges public to think about Fairtrade products

Speaking at the launch of a leaflet produced by the local steering group Foyle Fairtrade Mayor Colum Eastwood said Council was supportive of a campaign to achieve Fairtrade City status.

The initiative is designed to encourage the public to make choices when purchasing items that will positively influence global justice.

“It’s all about informing the public about fair-trade and allowing them to make positive choices that will make a huge impact on small producers and their communities in a global market.

“Council has already passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade and now is the time to push on and achieve recognition for all the good work that is going on locally through our schools and businesses,” he commented.

Paul Rafferty is an environmental health officer with Derry City Council, who is a member of the steering group. “Fairtrade is a way for us as consumers to make choices that will have a positive impact on local communities across the world. We will be encouraging shoppers to buy Fairtrade products where available, and where not, to ask for them.”

A series of events to help create awareness are being organised as part of Fairtrade Fortnight between 28 February and 13 March.

Grainne O’Neill a spokesperson from Foyle Fairtrade said: “We are excited to bring issues of global justice to the fabric of our city. Fair Trade is not just a brand; it is a practical way to show solidarity through our choices as consumers.

“By working towards fair trade city status, there is an opportunity to raise consciousness about issues of injustice and what we can do, individually and collectively.”

Further details on fair-trade can be found at www.derrycity.gov.uk/fairtrade.