Renfrewshire - a Fairtrade Zone success story

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Renfrewshire Fairtrade Zone

Paisley, Bishopton and Lochwinnoch have all achieved 'Fairtrade status' and now we want to encourage other towns and villages across Renfrewshire to work towards Fairtrade status. Currently, Erskine is working towards becoming a Fairtrade Town.

Councillor Lawson, Chairperson of Fairtrade Steering Group, said "Here in Renfrewshire we have shown fantastic support and enthusiasm for Fairtrade. This comes from a variety of groups and individuals of all different ages and backgrounds who share a common desire to give third world producers a better deal.

"Many give up their time to organise and volunteer at events, or have persuaded their colleagues and bosses to support Fairtrade at work, or have started local campaign groups to encourage others to become involved. Without these individuals, groups and organisations, Renfrewshire would not have achieved Fairtrade status and I would urge more community groups, organisations and individuals to get involved."

To do so, you'll need to achieve the following goals:

• Get local authority support for Fairtrade.
• Make a range of Fairtrade products readily available in shops and cafes.
• Have local businesses and community organisations use Fairtrade products.
• Attract media coverage and popular support for Fairtrade.
• Set up a local steering group to ensure progress and continued commitment to Fairtrade status.

If you'd like more information to help you get started, contact Pauline Moss at Renfrewshire Council on 0141 840 3611.

The Scottish Government joined forces with the Welsh Assembly in 2006 to draw up a detailed set of criteria to enable both to become Fairtrade Nations.

The measurable criteria for Scotland to become a Fairtrade Nation are:

• 100% of local authorities to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status
• 55% of local authority areas to have Fairtrade status, with a 10% annual increase in number each year
• All of Scotland's cities to have Fairtrade status
• A minimum of 55% of Scottish towns to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status
• 60% of higher education institutions to have active Fairtrade groups working towards Fairtrade status
• 75% of people to buy a Fairtrade product every year
• 40% of people who regularly buy Fairtrade products

The Scottish Fairtrade Forum has been set up as an independent body with membership open to any individual or organisation interested in meaningfully promoting Fairtrade in Scotland. The Forum's overall goal is to help Scotland achieve the Fairtrade Nation criteria set out in 2006, then to help it maintain Fairtrade nation status as a symbol that Scotland values and promotes trade justice and fair labour standards in countries around the world.