Get ready , it's coming

The people of Portlaoise have over the years showed their commitment to the ideals of Fair Trade.  This year let’s get loud and proud about Fair Trade

We can bring about tangible change for communities struggling against poverty and Unfair Trade, by getting more people excited about the difference their choices can make.

Millions of farmers and workers in the developing world are struggling against unfair trade rules, and we can change this by buying fairly traded products.  Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.   Whatever the price of the product on the shelf, only the FAIRTRADE Mark ensures that the producers have received what has been agreed to be a fairer price, as well as the social premiums to invest in the future of their communities.

As a result of the lobbing by the youth and the people we are proud to see that the Town Council have erected signs coming into the town announcing that Portlaoise has been awarded the status of a fair-trade town.

Yet Portlaoise has still some way to go before we can say that 100% of our Coffee Shops or public offices serve Fairly Traded tea and coffee.  We the people can change this situation by asking for fairly traded tea and coffee when we next visit. Our supermarkets stock what the customers want so why not demand that fairly traded goods be available on the shelves. 

• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Bananas
• Dried Fruit
• Fresh Fruit & Fresh Vegetables
• Honey
• Juices
• Nuts/Oil Seeds
• Wine
• Flowers
• Cotton etc

Many towns and villages have made this change and Portlaoise need not lag behind. Let this year be special e.g. organise an event yourself, or come along to the Parish Centre on the 7^th March at 11 am.- where you will be served fair trade coffee etc., and learn more about how you can make a difference.