The Dyfi Valley is a fair trade valley

This page explains the process which led to the Dyfi Valley being uniquely awarded this status. It took 18 months.

It is due to the hard work of a lot of people, and particularly one family, the Howards - Will, Lyn, Sam and Dougie.

The Steering Group was first formed on 17/5/03. Read the minutes of this meeting here.

We achieved our aim of getting over a thousand signatures on 14.3.04, during the Fair Trade Fortnight.

Members of the Dyfi Valley for Fair Trade Group collected over 1,100 pledges to buy fair trade products on a regular basis from the 12,500 people of the Dyfi Valley.

"The level of support and enthusiasm has been far greater than last year," said Will Howard. "We'll now be asking businesses to do likewise and use fair trade products. It is very encouraging that the Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Cafe has started to serve fair trade this week."

During the Fortnight Brian Namata, the Operations Manager of Kasinthula Cane Growers in Malawi, visited Machynlleth and was reunited in the Machynlleth Co-op with the FairTrade sugar he helps produce 6,000 miles away.

12 local schools were also visited with information, chocolate and leaflets.

Over the two weeks stalls were staffed by over 20 volunteers at the Machynlleth Co-op and Wednesday Market.

Brian Namata, the Operations Manager of Kasinthula Cane Growers in Malawi, discusses fair trade with Justin Robinson, the Catering Manager of the Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre in Machynlleth 8th March 2004. It has just started to offer a range of fair trade refreshments.

We had support from Machynlleth Town Council and Powys County Council, and from ecodyfi. This was essential.

Carnival!

Dyfi Valley for Fair Trade group joined the Machynlleth Carnival in the summer of 2004 to help profile Fair Trade goods. Dressed in yellow (banana skins) and carrying large inflatable bananas they added a splash of colour to the annual carnival procession.

Click here or on the image for a larger version. Thanks to the Cambrian News for the pic.

Being given the status of a 'Fair Trade Valley'

There are a press release and a link to the BBC web site which announce this decision by the national Fair Trade Foundation in November 2004:

• 16.11.04: The Dyfi Valley is now officially a Fairtrade Zone! [BBC link]

• 11.1.05: Tourist tea is Fairtrade Tea

The campaign continues to grow and encourage residents and visitors to the valley to maintain the momentum and spread awareness.

More information and offers of help:

Nicola Ruck, Pantlludw, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9JR
Tel/fax 01654 703428; nicola_ruck@bigfoot.com