Can we in Skerries follow the example of Clonakilty, which in 2003 became Ireland's first Fairtrade Town. The purpose of a Fairtrade Town is to contribute to Fairtrade Mark Ireland’s aim of enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Fairtrade is an independent consumer label which guarantees that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal. By buying products which bear the Fairtrade Mark, you can help more than 5 million farmers, workers and their families across 49 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.

There are now 30 Fairtrade Town/City groups around Ireland hoping to follow Clonakilty’s example and 2005 will see more groups meeting the Fairtrade Town , criteria. With your help Skerries too can become a Fairtrade Town. There are six goals to realise before the town is presented with a certificate by Fairtrade Mark Ireland.

Fairtrade Fortnight will run from March 1st to 13th. Visit www.fairtrade.ie to see what events are running.

If you are interested in working with or forming a group to help make Skerries a designated Fairtrade Town, please contact info@skerriesca.com

If there is any group or organisation in Skerries already running with this project, let us know and we’ll be pleased to offer any assistance we can.

(images courtesy of the Fairtrade Foundation)