Visit to Holmfirth Fairtraders’ Co-operative

Veronica, myself,Carol, Helen and John at the Holmfirth Fairtraders' Co-operative

I visited the Fairtraders’ Co-operative at 32 – 34 Huddersfield Road Holmfirth, for the first time today. I went to meet Veronica Pasteur, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation. She was visiting Holmfirth during Fairtrade Fortnight and the previous evening she spoke on “The Great Cotton Stitch-up”. She wanted to see the Fairtraders’ Co-operative and was also keen to connect with Kirklees Council in view of our successful bid for Fairtrade town status for Huddersfield. In recognition of the outstanding bid, the steering group submitted, fair-trade status was also awarded to the whole of Kirklees. Veronica was full of praise and admiration for this as well as for the co-operative.

The Fairtrade Co-operative was an absolute wonder, packed full of colourful treasures to fire the imagination in a building that has a very special atmosphere and character. It was a mini department store of must have delights. I wondered, is this Holmfirth’s best kept secret? I had never seen or heard of it before but I will spread the good news.

I also met John Drewery of the Fairtrade Co-operative, and Helen, the buyer for the business. She told us of the strict vetting procedure goods are put through before they are considered for sale in the shop. Every aspect is taken into account, including not only manufacture, but also the raw materials, the suppliers and the methods of transport. The provenance of every constituent used in the manufacturing process is checked. A star system of 1 to 5 stars, is used to grade goods according to their level of fairtade and environment friendly status. Very few goods with less than 2 stars, are awarded the fair-trade quality marque allowing them to be stocked in the shop for sale.

Cost is a priority issue. Fairness for producers and consumers has to be considered and also the business has to be profitable or at least break even, which means that the price has to be right. Some producers price their goods out of the market. Also they have to be careful not to compete with the local shops, who are very supportive of the venture.

This project is an inspiration!  All those who helped set it up and those who work hard, day to day as volunteers, to further the cause of trade justice, should be very proud of their endeavours. They are harnessing the essence of human spirit, a belief in fairness and justice, for the creative benefit of our society.