Getting to know Judy Russell, Chairperson of the Bray Fairtrade Steering Committee.

1. For those unfamiliar with the Fairtrade iniative, can you give a one sentence summary of what a Fairtrade town is?
A Fairtrade town is one the has been so nominated (by Fairtrade Ireland) because of the availability of Fairtrade products through retail and catering outlets; involvement by schools, churches and businesses; a “flagship business” - the Royal Hotel in Bray - and a motion of support passed by the Town Council. The numbers are based on a town’s population.

2. Becoming a Fairtrade town is quite an involved process. What motivated you to take on this challenge?
The process of becoming a Fairtrade Town is a challenge, but the end goal isn’t as important as the process. Any extra sales for the producers in “third world” countries makes a difference, and information about the huge imbalance in global living standards is always worth sharing

3. In your progress to date, what has been the most difficult task?
So far the most difficult task has been to overcome some people’s reluctance to try new products. They like the idea of Fairtrade but are so used to their habitual brands some are reluctant to try new ones. Fairtrade products may also be a few cents more expensive, but isn’t it worth it, knowing your money is sustaining fair work practices, health services, training and education AND giving you a top quality product?

4. Do you think the Fairtrade town initiative can help increase peoples awareness of the Millenium Development Goals?
Fairtrade contributes enormously to many of the Millenium Goals - the eradication of poverty and hunger, empowerment of women, education, environmental sustainability, global developmental partnerships etc.

5. Who do you admire most for their leadership in highlighting trade and development issues on the world stage?
I admire many people for highlighting trade and development issues around the world, especially those who live under violent and oppressive regimes and put their lives at risk every day. And Mahatma Gandhi, Fr. Shay Cullen, John O’Shea, Justin Kilcullen.

6. Do you believe Nestle should have been given Fairtrade Mark status for one of its coffee brands?
Nestlés (on my personal boycott list) is a thorny question, as is Starbucks and other multi-nationals. As far as I understand it, FLO had to choose whether to grant companies who want the kudos of a Fairtrade label without really deserving it against the interests of the small farmers and cooperatives, their families and communities who are the ones whose lives are benefiting from Fairtrade. The small percentage of Fairtrade coffee sold by such as Starbucks and Nestlés is still a lot of Fairtrade coffee. Some people may be over-impressed by the “ethnic” packaging and leaflets such companies use to promote their image. I buy other brands of Fairtrade coffee.

7. How do you counter the view  expressed in the BBC Money Programme that some retailers make extra profits on Fairtrade products and do not pass this on to the producer?
Undoubtedly some retail outlets charge too much for Fairtrade products, but that has nothing to do with the producers who get a fixed rate for their products - sometimes as much as three times the price of non-Fairtrade wholesale buyers. Shop around till you find a retailer with morals who don’t over-price Fairtrade products. They do exist!   

8. What are your own personal favourite Fairtrade products?
My personal Fairtrade products are apricot snack bars, coffee, Chilean wine, soaps, cashew nuts, dark chocolate, honey and bananas…

9. Do you have a website where people can find out where to buy Fairtrade in Bray?
Fairtrade products are available in all supermarkets and health food shops in Bray, the Larder, Gusto Italiano, and the Ecoshop in Glen-of-the Downs. There will soon be a leaflet showing catering outlets, available at the Council office, tourist office, health food shops, etc.

10. Finally, what is the best philosophy in life?
Life philosophies? Do as you would be done by. Enough is enough (but you’ve got to have enough). Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. So many neat phrases: doing something constructive seems saner than doing nothing.