Fiscal Note
There may be some fiscal impact as City agencies and City Purchasing consider Fair Trade products versus similar, non-Fair Trade goods. However, the overall impact is likely relatively small, and can be accommodated within existing agency budgets. No appropriation is required.
Title
That the Common Council of the City of Madison supports the efforts of organizations that work to increase consumer awareness of and commitment to poor farming and artisan communities around the world through Fair Trade.
Body
WHEREAS, the City must recognize the comprehensive labor conditions that may be supported by its actions, including a living wage, sustainable production practices and a work environment free from toxins; and
WHEREAS, fairly traded products provide fair prices for farmers; direct trade relationships for producers; decent working and living conditions and fair wages for workers; investment in local economies; and environmentally sustainable farming/production practices; and
WHEREAS, Fair Trade is an innovative, market-based system that encourages business traceability, family sustaining wages and a healthy and safe work environment by identifying food, beverage and handicrafts products that generate economic benefit to the producers of these products, often farmers and artisan groups in developing countries; and
WHEREAS, Fair Trade producers can provide a vital living wage to people in developing countries by marketing their products in North America; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison, as a consumer, intends to be cognizant of the impact that our consumption has on the communities that produce the goods we purchase; and
WHEREAS, many consumers are searching for more socially and environmentally responsible ways for conducting their lives, and Fair Trade is a viable option that does not exploit people or the environment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes more than twenty local businesses that sell Fair Trade products and their contribution to Fair Trade awareness; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison intends that municipal funds are spent in an ethical manner and promote local economies both domestically and abroad whenever possible; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Madison supports the efforts of organizations that work to increase consumer awareness of and commitment to poor farming and artisan communities around the world through Fair Trade.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison shall:
· Promote awareness of Fair Trade issues by making educational information available to local people concerning the worldwide impact of exploitative trade policy and the opportunities for supporting Fair Trade locally.
· Promote Fair Trade issues and practices among local businesses and organizations.
· Encourage community organizations to make Madison a Fair Trade city.
· Encourage the purchase of Fair Trade products like coffee, tea and sugar by City agencies.
· Encourage the use of Fair Trade products by its catering contractors.