Brattleboro Fair Trade Proclamation
From Brattleboro Community Brain Trust
Here is the Fair Trade Brattleboro Resolution that was passed on June 26, 2007.
Town of Brattleboro, Vermont
Fair Trade Proclamation
Final Draft dated on this June 26, 2007
WHEREAS, expressing Brattleboro's support for sustainable and equitable commerce, well being of small farmers and producers; and
WHEREAS, as consumers we have a responsibility to be cognizant of the impact that our consumption has on the communities that produce the goods that we purchase; and
WHEREAS, the town of Brattleboro has a responsibility to ensure that town funds are spent in an ethical manner that promotes local economies both domestically and abroad whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, Fair Trade is an innovative market strategy, the purpose of which is to revolutionize commerce and provide consumers with the opportunity to make a positive social impact in communities around the world through:
1. guaranteeing producers a minimum price for their goods that is above the market price
2. promoting direct, long term trade relationships between producers and importers, allowing producers to develop competitive business strategies
3. providing incentives for environmentally sustainable production strategies; and
WHEREAS, though no domestic Fair Trade certification currently exists, we recognize that supporting our local economy by purchasing locally and ethically produced goods and services is in keeping with the values of Fair Trade; and
WHEREAS, the town of Brattleboro has the opportunity to lead by example and present a model of social responsibility for other towns to follow; therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town of Brattleboro establish a Buy Local/Buy Fair policy to maximize purchase of Fair Trade Certified and locally produced products in the process of procuring necessary goods for the Town Offices when those products are available and reasonably priced; and be it
RESOLVED, that the community of Brattleboro and visitors to the town will gain a greater understanding of what is and what is not Fair Trade, in order to make educated decisions.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that we the Selectboard, do hereby decree Brattleboro the second FAIR TRADE TOWN in the United States.
