Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 5:00pm

Cavan to apply for fairtrade town status

by Sinead Hogan

Cavan is hoping to achieve Fair Trade status.
Pic by==: 97

Cavan has made the first step towards becoming a 'fairtrade town', with members of the town council having approved an application for fairtrade status. But while members of the council voiced support for fair trade, some expressed the view that it should be seen closer to home: chairperson Andrew Boylan expressed the view that farmers here are, like developing world farmers, struggling to provide for their families and Cllr. Terry Argue called for a fair trade approach from business and service suppliers during the forthcoming All-Ireland Fleadh.

Fairtrade Mark Ireland is a non-profit organisation aiming to ensure that farmers and workers in developing countries receive agreed, stable and sustainable prices and an extra payment to invest in their community or organisation. The farmer groups in turn meet environmental standards and are democratically organised.

Fairtrade Mark Ireland runs campaigns with local community groups aimed at boosting awareness and understanding of trade issues, and promoting the purchase of Fairtrade products. Towns receive a certificate when they reach specified goals and must continue their campaigning to retain fairtrade status.Currently, 41 towns in Ireland have fairtrade status, but most of these are in the south and east of the country, town clerk Brian Hora told members of Cavan Town Council.Cllr. Des Cullen described fairtrade status as "worthy".

"It has helped to raise the standard of living in many developing countries," said the Labour councillor, noting that a lot of fairtrade products are already being sold in the town.

"It can only be good for the town. It is important that we take the initiative in this region," agreed Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly.Cllr. Terry Argue raised the issue of fair pricing on a more local scale when August 16-22 comes with its estimated 200,000 Fleadh-going visitors. He appealed to businesses not to hike prices and "do a Listowel on it".

"It is vitally important... I'm not accusing anyone but asking people not to charge extra, but to be fair," said Cllr. Argue.

Chairperson Andrew Boylan agreed.

"What you're saying is that fair trade begins at home," said Cllr. Boylan. "When our own farmers can't rear a family on a 50-acre farm, there's something wrong."

Members nonetheless supported the application allowing Cavan to join another 30-plus towns currently in the application stages of fairtrade status.

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