The Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois wishes to become a Fairtrade Diocese. You can help by purchasing Fairtrade products and by encouraging your parish to become a Fairtrade parish.

"Whatever you do to the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you do it to me" (Mt. 28).

As Christians we are called to challenge injustice and to contribute to the well-being, body and soul, of every human person and the whole of creation. By considering the ethical implications of the purchases we make, our choices can make a real difference in the fight against poverty and inequality in our world.

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade, as defined by the Fairtrade foundation, means paying better prices, ensuring decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

There are hundreds of Fairtrade products. You can identify Fairtrade products by the Fairtrade logo.

How does Fairtrade help?

Fairtrade helps by creating new opportunities for the poorest producers and assures transparency and accountability in trade deals. It assures producers receive a fair price for their products.

Fairtrade builds capacities through developing producer knowledge and sills in production and marketing; it also provides equal pay and opportunities for women and men.

Fairtrade promotes a healthy and safe work environment, respects the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child with regard to child labour and also encourages environmentally friendly production processes.

Fairtrade advances trade that is fairer, by telling as many people as possible about Fairtrade, its produce and where products come from.


Concrete Actions: Striving to become a Fairtrade Parish and Diocese.

Pledge to use Fairtrade tea and coffee at church meetings.
Encourage parishioners to use Fairtrade products.
Promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade fortnight, and as opportunities arise at other times.

Criteria for a certified Fairtrade Diocese:

The Bishop with his council passes a resolution to support Fairtrade, encourage the sale and use of Fairtrade products and to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at all diocesan meetings and events.

Diocesan offices advertise the fact that Fairtrade products are being used.

Fairtrade tea, coffee and other products are used and/or sold amongst 30% of parishes. Voluntary efforts will continue to develop this towards 70% within 5 years.

A Fairtrade steering group is set up to take responsibility for monitoring that goals continue to be met and are developed over a period of time.

Opportunities are taken through local and national media to raise awareness of Fair Trade issues within the diocese.

Contact:
The Pastoral Centre,
St Michael's,
Longford.
Tel.: (043) 48240
Email: dpclong@hotmail.com