DEVIZES Fairtrade group is to take part in more campaigns to drive home the message as the town celebrates 10 years of Fairtrade status.

A celebration was held in the Town Hall last week to mark the decade of Fairtrading in the town.

Antonia Tolhurst, co-ordinator of the Fairtrade Group said: "Devizes was first awarded the Fairtrade status in 2006 in recognition of the strong support for Fairtrade within the town, and the achievement of five qualifying goals, such as a wide availability of Fairtrade products in local shops and catering outlets.

"There is also high levels of support from local people, businesses, the council, faith groups and schools. We are very grateful for this support.’

The group now plans to promote Fairtrade to more community groups and businesses in the area by taking part in campaigns, including the nationwide Fairtrade Fortnight at the end of February when they hope to host a visit from a Fairtrade producer.

It will again be organising a Fairtrade and Local Produce Fair in April.

During the evening town councillors and the Fairtrade group enjoyed a glass of Fairtrade wine and coffee and watched films about Fairtrade products including Fairtrade footballs, bananas, cotton and gold as well as a film showing how Fairtrade is sustainable trade.

A lively discussion followed the films. The reliability of the Fairtrade Mark was queried and Devizes Fairtrade Group’s chair Jasper Selwyn said: "The Director of the Fairtrade Foundation in London has assured me that the International Fairtrade Labelling Organisation rigorously checks that every product with the Fairtrade Mark on it has been sold on Fairtrade terms."

Adam Gardener, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re so pleased that Devizes has renewed Fairtrade status and laid out exciting goals to take Fairtrade further.”

“Thanks to ongoing support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”

Fairtrade helps small scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.

The Fairtrade Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide.

For more information go to www.fairtrade.org.uk.

To get involved in the Fairtrade campaign in Devizes go to www.devizesfairtrade.org.uk