IT’S ‘GAELSCOIL FAIRTRADE’ AS CHORAIN HELPS YOUGHAL INTO GROWING MOVEMENT By Christy Parker/Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Gaelscoil Comhrain was officially granted Fairtrade status during a ceremony to mark Youghal as a Fairtrade town in the Mall Arts Centre. Principal Sean O’Murchu, who accepted the official Fair Trade certificate from Fairtrade Ireland Project co-ordinator Melanie Drea. He said that while the school uses Fairtrade produce, the children would soon be taught more on the Fairtrade concept. “Fairtrade Ireland already provide some excellent programmes on DVD etc,” he said. “And there’s these to interest them too,” he laughed, juggling some African chocolatesYoughal Mayor Olly Casey, fellow councillors and local business and school representatives were present as Youghal became Cork’s eight town to acquire Fairtrade status. It comes 14 months after Town Councillors McLellan and Hennessy, supported by Cuman na Daoine, launched the initiative. Cllr McLellan said one canteen rejected the approach, fearing an inferior produce. “But someone swapped the tea bags and they were amazed when they found they’d had Fairtrade tea and joined after all.”

The Fairtrade scheme enables producers in many underdeveloped countries earn a fair price for their products and labours. This income can then be channelled into their local economies to promote other initiatives such as education and health. Mayor Casey said that historically, Irish people “knew what need was” and empathised with producers in poor countries seeking fair prices.

To acquire Fairtrade status, a business must retail a minimum of two designated Fairtrade Mark products. A town must accumulate at least six shops, eight caterers and 12 other outlets to acquire Fairtrade status. Ms Drea said Ireland’s Fairtrade sales grow 101% this year, from an estimated retail value of €20m in 2007. Sales were at €6.5m in 2005,  “The growth rate has doubled every ear since its inception in 2003,” says Ms Drea, adding that, “the main purpose is that it provides a mechanism with which to reach and educate people.”

Fairtrade towns must meet four annual criteria to retain the status: i) keep a steering group; ii) meet four times, iii) hold Freetrade events during Fairtrade fortnight and iv) submit a renewal report. Even in Fairtrade, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Perhaps surprisingly, Dungarvan remains the only town in Waterford outside the capital with Fairtrade certification.

See www.fairtrade.ie