Welcome to Fairtrade Devon campaign - working to gain the Fairtrade Award for Devon County.

What is Fairtrade?
Millions of farmers and their families depend on selling crops to survive. If prices fall, they can face real hardship. Fairtrade makes sure that farmers and producer organisations are paid a fair and stable price for their products. They also receive a 'Social Premium' to invest in a better future for their community, by building a nursery school, a well or clinic. There are over 2000 Fairtrade certified products in the UK from tea to fresh fruit, cotton to sports balls. You can find out more here.

Why are we campaigning for Fairtrade in Devon?
To make sure everyone in Devon knows about Fairtrade and wants to support it, so when they go shopping, they choose Fairtrade products. We think it's only fair that the people who work hard to produce what we eat, wear and use should be paid enough to live on and a chance to improve their lives.

How can Devon achieve Fairtrade?
There are 5 goals set by Fairtrade Foundation

	Devon County Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens. Done! Nov 2007.
	Fairtrade products must be readily available in shops in Devon and served in local cafés and catering establishments. Exeter and several Devon towns have already earned the Fairtrade Award.
	Businesses and employers in Devon must use Fairtrade products and tell their employees why! The Met Office and South West Water are leading the way!
	A Fairtrade Devon Steering Group must co-ordinate the work. Set up September 2007.
	The press, radio and TV in Devon must support the campaign.
	Schools and colleges, churches and other places of worship, can also join in campaign.

Can you help? Can you find out if your town, school, place of worship, employer, local cafes and shops have signed up to Fairtrade. If not, please ask them why not!