Fairtrade - munch it, wear it, taste it, choose it!

9.34.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th Feb 2007

Sarah Ludford MEP with Fairtrade products

At the beginning of this year's 'Fairtrade fortnight', London's Liberal Democrat MEP is encouraging Londoners to buy and try products that make life-changing differences to people in developing countries.

Sarah said: "The Fairtrade Mark guarantees a fair and stable price to farmers in developing countries. It also guarantees consumers a top-quality and environmentally-friendly product."

"It is such a simple and direct way to make a big difference to the lives of poor families in developing countries. Helping people to support themselves through trade is a hand-up, not a hand-out."

"Liberal Democrats across London are leading the way fighting for a fairer deal and LibDem run boroughs including Camden, Islington, Richmond and Kingston have all achieved the status of "Fairtrade towns".

"With a massive range of Fairtrade products now available it is easier than ever to munch it, wear it, taste it and choose it!"

Notes:

In October, Sarah quizzed the EU's Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson over EU policies to support Fairtrade including standards and certification for the production of garments. Their exchange can be read at http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/speeches/131.html

To become a Fairtrade Town, five goals must be met:

· 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);

· Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign;

· A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.