It’s no surprise that a town like Witney should be a Fairtrade town, but what is it and what does being a Fairtrade town mean? Wendy, from the Witney Area Fair Trade Action Group (WAFTAG), sent us an article all about Fairtrade, with an appeal for help to continue with the group's aims.
In 2006, a small, but passionate group of individuals in Witney launched WAFTAG. There was much support for Fairtrade in shops and businesses and among the population, and after much hard work and awareness-raising, the group managed to gain the necessary council support.
A suitable resolution was passed and in June 2011 Witney proudly celebrated becoming the 1000th Fairtrade town in the world!
Today Witney has a range of Fairtrade goods widely available across the town. Local people recognise the Fairtrade mark and understand that it guarantees that the goods they buy with that mark have come from producers who get a fairer share of the money paid for them. It helps us be mindful of the origins of much of our food, something that we can easily lose sight of with today’s easily available, conveniently-packaged supermarket foods.
Witney’s Fairtrade group has been an active in raising awareness of the fight for fair trade and social justice in the town and changing public attitudes. You may have come across one of their events or seen them taking part in the In Bloom planting with their containers on the Leys, complete with bee boxes and sustainable planting schemes.
Members of WAFTAG still have the same passion for the movement that they have always had but they are a smallish group and are looking to recruit some additional members. They would love to hear from some energetic new supporters. If you have an interest in Fairtrade and would like to be involved, please contact Michael Richards on: richardsem@gmail.com
Important dates:
Fairtrade Fortnight Feb 21-March 6th 2022
International Fairtrade Day May 7th 2022
Read More of Wendy's article at https://www.witney-tc.gov.uk/witney-a-fair-trade-town/
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