WHEREAS, The City of Chicago recognizes and supports positive effects of comprehensive labor conditions which include a living wage, sustainable production practices and a work environment free from toxins; and 

WHEREAS, Many laborers work under poor conditions for meager wages; and

WHEREAS, Small farmers are often vulnerable to volatile market pricing and receive prices that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt; and

WHEREAS, Intensive and industrial farming contributes to environmental problems, such as the contamination of air and water supplies through pesticide poisoning, destruction of tropical forests, and the loss of habitat for wildlife; and 

WHEREAS, Fair Trade certification is a market-based system that encourages sustainable wages and a healthy and safe work environment; and

WHEREAS, Fair Trade identifies food, beverage and handicrafts products that generate economic benefit to the producers of these products who are farmers and artisan groups in developing countries; and 

WHEREAS, Fair Trade Certified products are widely available and competitively priced in the United States, available through providers of food and artisan products including those that provide coffee, tea, chocolate, fresh fruit, and handicrafts; 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, Fair Trade does not exploit people, animals, or the environment; and

WHEREAS, A “Fair Trade City” is defined as one that encourages the purchase of Fair Trade Certified products by city agencies, the use of Fair Trade products by catering contractors, and publicizing the City Council’s Fair Trade policy through media outlets and the city’s website; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Mayor and members of the City Council of Chicago in meeting assembled this seventh day of October, 2009 do hereby encourage 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; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor and members of the City Council of Chicago will encourage the Departments of Environment, Procurement Services and Tourism to promote awareness of Fair Trade issues, the opportunities for supporting Fair Trade locally, and to promote Fair Trade practices among local businesses and organizations.

Passed Chicago City Council February, 2010