After years of campaigning by FoE and others, Havant has been awarded Fairtrade Town status. The five principles that needed to be met were:
1. Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteens).
2. A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s retail outlets (shops, supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations) and served in local catering outlets (cafés, restaurants, pubs).
3. Local workplaces and community organisations (places of worship, schools, universities, colleges and other community organisations) support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible.
4. Media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community.
5. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure the Fairtrade Town campaign continues to develop and gain new support.
Havant joins the over 400 towns Fairtrade family which includes only 7 in Hampshire.
Ray Cobbett
Follow Havant FOE