Limerick town aims for Fairtrade status

“FAIRTRADE is something that needs to be highlighted,” Tidy Towns member Vicki Nash said as Newcastle West aims to become a Fairtrade town.

Newcastle West Tidy Towns are setting up a sub-group dedicated to gaining Fairtrade status.

A presentation by local members of the community was presented at the monthly meeting of the Municipal District of Newcastle West last week.

Fairtrade pays the farmer a fair price and also provides extra money to the cooperative - this premium is then used to develop the community by building schools, bringing water to communities, building clinics and whatever else the community needs.

“Fairtrade is a great way of following the sustainable development goals set out by the United Nations,” Vicki said.

“These goals are there to improve the lives of people far and wide and all social groups. It’s very important for the more developed countries to be very aware of what is happening in the less developed countries,” Vicki added.

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The Newcastle West Fairtrade Group which has support from the Limerick city group will be aiming to support Fairtrade Fortnight in 2023 with a number of events.

Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from February 27 to March 12 and will see events such as Fairtrade seniors coffee morning at the Desmond Complex and Fairtrade promotion and presentation to the Headway group at the Desmond Complex.

The Fairtrade group also want to raise awareness of the issue in schools across Newcastle West.

The Newcastle West Fairtrade Group and supporters will also conduct a survey of local retailers and hospitality venues for the availability of Fairtrade products and promote increased availability and sales of Fairtrade products locally.

“It’s important for the people who produce the products we use, such as the farmers who grow the products to be treated with dignity and respect for the work they do,” Vicki added.

The Municipal District of Newcastle West has also agreed to only use Fairtrade teas and coffees at any and all future council meetings and events.

Newcastle West Fairtrade Group and Newcastle West Tidy Towns aim to apply for Fairtrade status in the second half of 2023.