THE CAMPAIGN to establish Brechin as a fair trade city has been launched at an enthusiastic meeting in St Andrew’s Church Hall.

Former MP John McAllion, who helped Dundee to become a fair trade city and is now on the group pressing for Scotland to be a fair trade nation, was the main speaker.

He outlined the history of the fair trade movement which aims to guarantee the producer a fair and just price for their goods.

He reassured a questioner that the international work of the Fair Trade Foundation ensures that the extra premium that consumers in Scotland pay for fair trade goods actually reaches the original producers and their communities, and said fair trade can make a real contribution to global justice.

Peter Stevens, who helped Montrose become the first town in Angus to achieve fair trade status, advised that for Brechin to follow suit support would be needed from the wider community, including schools, churches and voluntary organisations.

A reasonable proportion of shops and cafes would have to offer fair trade products and there should be support from the business community.

It was agreed to aim for Fair Trade status for Brechin by Fair Trade Fortnight 2011.

A steering committee of seven people was established with Father David Mumford as convener and representatives from the churches, schools, business and wider community.

The first meeting will be on Tuesday, November 10.