Takings rise helping farmers in Third World

Jul 25 2002 By Helen Harper, Caernarfon And Denbigh Herald

SINCE a community-run business started to sell products to help farmers from Third World, its takings have doubled.

Cyfeillion y Cwm/Friends of Cwm was set up a few years ago when the village of Cwm y Glo faced losing its post office. A public meeting was held, and the venture was established.

The venture is not primarily a business, but it aims to run the village post office for the benefit of the community.

The adjoining shop helps to raise money to pay rent for the post office and café, which is in the same building, and the project is supported by Menter Fachwen.

Now the community shop and post office is stocking fair trade produce. This means that, as well as supporting a local village service, customers can also support farmers and producers from Third World countries, and all at competitive prices.

For example, Traidcraft tea and coffee, which is available at similar prices in supermarkets, can now be bought locally in Cwm y Glo.

Graham Thomas, of Cyfeillion y Cwm, said: "The takings in the shop have doubled in the last month, so it seems to have made a difference.

"On the whole the response has been positive. People are glad to support the fair trade venture, and it adds to the range of produce in the shop."

Under the fair trade system, families from Third World countries sell their produce to fair trade organisations, which guarantee them a fair share of the profit. One of those organisations, Traidcraft, also pays a levy for training and investment in machinery.

As well as helping small-scale farmers in poor countries around the world and their food industries, the scheme also helps producers earn more by reducing the profit of the middleman, while providing high-quality goods in this country.

Products available at Siop Cwm y Glo include muesli, chocolate, biscuits and pasta, and so far the feedback from customers has been very encouraging.

The shop is open during the morning for six days a week, and all day on Friday.

It is staffed by volunteers and is also involved in training participants in Menter Fachwen.

The post office is open during the morning.

For details of the shop ring (01286) 872722, and to find out more about Traidcraft log on to www.traidcraft.co.uk.