Fairtrade Town is a status awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation in the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, describing an area which is committed to the promotion of Fairtrade-labelled goods. By extension, the Foundation also awards the statuses of Fairtrade City, Fairtrade Village, Fairtrade Zone, Fairtrade Borough, Fairtrade Island and Fairtrade County.

In May 2000, Garstang in Lancashire declared itself the "world's first Fairtrade Town". As of March 2005, 99 further areas in the UK have been awarded the status, with over 200 areas known to be working towards it.

Formal guidelines have been produced by the Foundation. In order to be awarded Fairtrade status, an area must meet five criteria:

• Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings and in its offices and canteens .
• A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products is readily available in the area’s shops and local cafés/catering establishments.
  • Target for number of retail outlets: population of < 10000 - 1 retail outlet per 2500; population < 200000 - 1 retail outlet per 5000; population of < 500000 - 1 retail outlet per 10000.
  • Target for number of catering outlets: population of < 10000 - 1 catering outlet per 5000; population < 200000 - 1 catering outlet per 10000; population of < 500000 - 1 catering outlet per 20000
• Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc)
• Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
• A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.

External links

• Fairtrade Foundation - information on Fairtrade Towns initiative
• Garstang - "the world's first Fairtrade Town"