Town gears up for Fairtrade decade anniversary

There will be celebrations next month as locals recognise ten years since Watford became the 250th Fairtrade Town in the UK. On March 5, 2007, the town achieved fair trade status after a campaign backed by the council, shops, cafes, businesses and schools alike. An event was held in Watford Museum which was attended by then Watford MP Claire Ward and other dignitaries. Chairman of the Watford Fairtrade Steering Group, Brian Mee, told WatfordNews that the town’s contribution to farmers across the developing world has been immeasurable. He added: “By joining the ranks of Fairtrade Towns across the UK, Watford residents contributed to the benefits of the Fairtrade System to over a million farmer producers in the developing world and guaranteed them a sustainable future.” There’s a simple way to help celebrate the Fairtrade Fortnight from February 27 to March 12, as Brian added: “The theme is ‘It is time to put Fairtrade into your Breaks’. Anyone at work or play, who has a break, can use or eat Fairtrade products. So please join in.” The Fairtrade System hopes to encourage world nations to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations by reducing poverty and improving the health of a billion of the poorest people in the world by 2030. For more stories from your community read the 100th issue of WatfordNews which will be distributed on February 10.