Fair Trade Town

The concept of a Fair Trade Town was established in the UK in 1999 when local members of Oxfam in Garstang England decided to elevate local awareness of Fair Trade by establishing the concept of a Fair Trade Town. The campaign won the support of local businesses, churches, schools, town council and the local media.

A criteria for qualification as a Fair Trade Town was created and made dependent on the number of retail stores and cafés supplying Fair Trade products in comparison with the population. There was also a requirement for support from local faith groups, schools and the town council.

Upon satisfying the criteria, in 1999, town council declared Garstang a Fair Trade Town.

By 2006 there were more than 200 Fair Trade towns in the UK and the concept had spread to other countries.

In 2007, Wolfville, Nova Scotia was declared, by town council as the first Fair Trade Town in Canada. Many others are now seeking Fair Trade Town status. The "Fair Trade Towns Action Kit" (PDF: 1.8MB) provides detailed information about Fair Trade Towns and the requirements for qualification.