In May 2010, the Leichhardt Municipality became accredited as a "Fair Trade Community". The accreditation was awarded to Council by the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ). Leichhardt Council was the third Council in Australia to have earned this accreditation.
By receiving this accreditation, the Leichhardt Municipality now joins over 300 Fair Trade Communities across the country including other Councils, workplaces, schools and faith groups. All of these groups have signed up to make the big swap to fair trade products in order to tackle poverty and create better futures for developing country farmers, producers, their families and communities. Council congratulates residents & community groups in this achievement!
According to FTAANZ, "Fair Trade” is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.
By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, Fair Trade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
Fair trade ensures a better deal for producers in developing countries and also an assurance to consumers that the full benefits of fair trade are being received by producers for example:
- A fair & stable price for their produce
- Security of long term contracts
- Investment in local community development
- Improved working conditions
- Environmentally sustainable farming methods
- Support in gaining the knowledge & skills needed to operate successfully in the global economy
You can assist the Fair Trade scheme by:
- Buying Fair Trade products - Look for the FAIRTRADE Label
- Getting involved with the local Committee
- Selling Fair Trade products in your business
- Using Fair Trade products at your enterprise eg. Tea, coffee, sugar
You can find businesses & community enterprises who are committed to sustainable practises:
You can identify Fair Trade products by the certification label.
Fair Trade Fortnight is Australia’s biggest annual celebration of all things Fair Trade and celebrates the life-changing difference our Fair Trade choices make for millions farmers, producers, their families and communities in developing countries.
Check the What’s On to see when Fair Trade events are scheduled.
For further information, contact Council’s Community Liaison Officer on 9367 9216 or 9367 9047.
To find out more about Leichhardt as a Fair Trade Community: