Kenilworth renews its Fairtrade status

The achievement was celebrated at an event at the Kings Table Cafe in Warwick Road on Monday February 27, coinciding with the national event Fairtrade Fortnight.

The town renewed its Fairtrade status, which it first received in 2008, in recognition of the town’s strong overall support of the concept - paying growers a fair price for their goods.

Adam Gardner, communities campaign manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, praised Kenilworth for continuing to support Fairtrade.

He said: “We’re very pleased that Kenilworth has renewed its Fairtrade status and laid out clear, exciting goals to take Fairtrade further.

“Thanks to the 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.”

Sue Proctor, spokesperson for the Kenilworth Fairtrade Group, thanked the many groups and organisations that helped the town retain its status.

She said: “Kenilworth was one of the first towns in Warwickshire to receive Fairtrade status, and thanks to the ongoing support of businesses, shops, schools and churches we have been successful in renewing our Fairtrade status.”

Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn a stable income and have long-term contracts with companies that buy their produce.

Farmers also earn the Fairtrade Premium, which is invested in projects which benefit their community.