Salford & Manchester have recently become the joint 100th Fairtrade City.

The launch took place on 7th March at the Co-op's New Century House in Manchester.

Salford Diocesan Faith & Justice Commission have been working on the fairtrade steering groups together with representatives from Cafod, Christian Aid, Oxfam, the Co-op and Salford and Manchester City Councils.

We were joined at the launch by some fairtrade producers so that we could hear about the difference that fairtrade has made to farmers living in poverty.

Salford & Manchester

become joint

100th Fairtrade City

Simeone Green from the Windward Islands spoke about how Fairtrade is currently helping 20% of the banana farmers on the Windward Isles by providing a fair price for their produce.

However he also explained that 20,000 banana farmers had lost their jobs and livelihoods due to big businesses controlling the banana market.

Large banana companies have dropped the prices of bananas in countries like the UK which means that the farmers cannot make enough money to survive. The fairtrade opportunities in the Windward Islands are therefore essential to maintain the livelihoods of many farming families.

Veronica Mintah from Ghana also spoke about how fairtrade benefits her community.

By getting a decent price for their cocoa, as well as the fairtrade premium, the fairtrade committee of the cocoa growers is able to allocate money towards new schools, health centres or water pumps as needed by the community.

Martin Beaumont, Group Chief Executive of the Co-operative Group, said 'As the UK's leading supermarket supporter of fairtrade, with our roots firmly in the north west, we are delighted to be hosting this event and to have supported both cities in their successful bids for fairtrade status.

This joint declaration demonstrates that the spirit of co-operation is alive and well in these two great cities.'