Merton’s status as a Fairtrade Borough has once again been reconfirmed with a glowing endorsement from the Fairtrade Foundation.

The Foundation was particularly impressed with the collaboration by local community groups, faith organisations, schools and supermarkets, engagement with MPs and support from Merton Council.

When residents buy Fairtrade products it helps more than 1.6 million farmers and workers who produce coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas, wines, flowers, cotton, gold and many other goods. They receive better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade.

Merton has been a Fairtrade Borough since 2009 and ethical shopping is promoted locally by the Fairtrade Merton steering group whose mission statement is: ‘Fairtrade Merton: small change locally, lives changed globally’.

In renewing the borough’s status, the Fairtrade Foundation told Fairtrade Merton steering group: “It is clear that a lot of time and energy has been put in to make Fairtrade a part of the community, so we would like to pass on our congratulations and say thank you to everyone who has been involved.”

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Leader of the Merton Council, echoed the praise for the steering group. Councillor Alambritis said: “Fairtrade Merton steering group has worked hard to make sure local residents are aware that when they shop their choices can make a huge difference to people’s lives. We’re very proud to be a Fairtrade Borough.”

You can find out more about Fairtrade activities locally on the Merton Council website. To discover more about how the charity helps growers across the globe visit the Fairtrade Foundation website.

If you would like to join the Fairtrade Merton steering group please contact Fairtrademerton@hotmail.co.uk