Callington Fairtrade's Steering Committee has announced that an application requesting approval to become a fairtrade town has been submitted. Callington Town Council decided last September to seek Fairtrade status for Callington. To achieve this the town needed to meet five requirements given to them by the Fairtrade Foundation. The goals were as follows: 1. The council needs to pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens. 2. A range of Fairtrade products need to be readily available in the area's shops and served in local cafes. 3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places and community organisations. 4. Popular support for the campaign. 5. A local Fairtrade steering group must be set up to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status. Jane Murray, chair of Callington's Fairtrade steering group, said the town has made significant progress. 'It is extremely heart warming to discover the extent to which the people of Callington want to help those in poor countries,' she said. 'We have received the support of a large number of businesses in the town, all of whom have confirmed their intent to supply or use Fairtrade products. 'Fairtrade status for Callington is important. Apart from a large degree of self satisfaction, we are showing that we care; that we want a fairer world, a world with opportunities for all; education, health care and the basic necessities.' An answer on whether Callington has been successful is expected in around eight weeks' time.
