Exeter City Council's Support for Fairtrade

In January 2004, the Council adopted the following Fairtrade resolution:

Fairtrade - Guarantees a better deal for Third World producers

"Exeter City Council aims to be recognised by its residents and business community, its suppliers and employees as a council that actively supports and promotes the concept of Fairtrade - ensuring that producers from developing countries get a fair price for their goods and labour. The Council resolves to:

• Work with the Fairtrade City Steering Group in its work of achieving Fairtrade City status and nominate a Council officer willing to liaise with the Steering Group on a regular basis
• Promote awareness of Fairtrade issues and make publicity and educational information available to local people, business and other organisations concerning the worldwide impact of unfair trade and the opportunities that Fairtrade provides to promote sustainable development
• Purchase products where there is evidence that the producers are fairly paid and work in reasonable conditions. Where there are recognised and monitorable fair-trading standards available, the Council will encourage the use of products that adhere to these
• Purchase Fairtrade products, wherever possible, when catering for Council meetings and functions and for use in vending machines and to encourage any franchised organisation to do the same."

This expands upon the Council's original Fairtrade purchasing policy, which stated that: "Fairtrade tea and coffee products should be used, wherever possible, when catering for Council meetings and functions and for use in vending machines"  (Corporate Environmental Strategy, 2001-2006).

Use of Fairtrade Products - Current Position (February 08)

Fairtrade products are provided at meetings in the Council's committee rooms (tea, coffee, snacks) and at other Council sites e.g. Matford Centre, Guildhall, Corn Exchange. Fairtrade drinks, chocolate and snacks are also available in the staff vending machines at the Civic Centre.

Awareness raising activities are regularly undertaken to encourage Council staff to buy Fairtrade products, both at work and at home and more than 80 staff have signed the Fairtrade pledge."