CITY WINS FAIRTRADE STATUS

Newport has been declared a Fairtrade City. It joins Cardiff and Swansea as one of only three Welsh cities to achieve this accolade so far. The award comes after 18 months hard work by Newport Fairtrade Steering Group and a high profile launch in September 2006 by the then Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr and Mrs. Miqdad al-Nuami. A range of promotional events was organised, including a sell-out Fairtrade Fashion Show in the Newport Centre, Schools Fairtrade Art Competition and exhibition in the Ffwrwm, Caerleon and Fairtrade film show at The Riverfront. John Griffiths, AM for Newport East, is delighted: “This is a great achievement for Newport. I am tremendously proud that people in our city have made an important commitment to change their lifestyle habits. We are now shopping with a conscience and directly helping third world producers to make a sustainable living. The Council’s fantastic campaign has been matched by a collective effort from local people who are clearly passionate about helping others and want to play their part in addressing global poverty. Switching to choose Fairtrade products will trigger a positive change in communities in developing countries. With Newport’s help, a community in Africa, Asia, or Latin America can build more classrooms, employ a part-time nurse or construct a road so they can get their produce to market. The direct benefits to farmers and workers in the developing world mean they in turn will be able to begin to make changes to their lives and environment.
Newport has the 28 shops and 14 cafes, offering at least two different fairly traded products, needed to meet the Fairtrade Foundation’s strict criteria. A list of these outlets will be available in Newport’s Fairtrade Directory 2008, sponsored by Newport City Council, Newport Initiative and Voice Media. This will be launched during Fairtrade Fortnight which starts on 25th February.