WALES is celebrating 15 years as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation this year!

It comes as Ammanford enters its 21st year as a Fair Trade Town, the first in Wales.

The Fair Trade movement in Wales is made up of 30 community-led groups, 200 schools, and thousands of shoppers and businesses, which includes the Ammanford Fair Trade Town group.

Phil Broadhurst, of Ammanford Fair Trade Town Group, said: “As Ammanford celebrates 21 years as a Fair Trade Town, and Wales 15 years as a Fair Trade Nation, it’s good to take time to reflect on how small groups of individuals can come together in their own communities to make real change.

“The Fairtrade campaigns movement has undoubtedly helped move Fairtrade into the mainstream, and everyone who worked to make Ammanford the first Fair Trade Town in Wales, and others who have kept the campaign going since, should take pride in how their efforts have helped support and promote Fairtrade producers and their communities around the world.

“And it’s not only campaigners who are making a difference; anyone who ever buys a Fairtrade product is helping.

"Hopefully everyone will go out and buy a Fairtrade product to celebrate Ammanford’s role in helping to create the first Fair Trade Nation!”

Aileen Burmeister, head of Fair Trade Wales, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate 15 years as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation and to showcase the importance of Fair Trade practices in creating a more just and sustainable world.

"We want to thank the Welsh public for supporting farmers and producers around the world, and we want to invite everyone to join us for this exciting event.”

Wales made a commitment in 2008 to support a fairer way of trading, with campaigners, faith groups, schools, universities and retailers working together to promote the Fairtrade message, which led to Wales becoming the first Fair Trade Nation in 2008.

Fair Trade Wales and the Welsh Government will be celebrating Wales’ commitment to supporting climate, social and trade justice at the Senedd on July 11, between 11am and 2pm.

Campaigners and members of the public are invited to attend to celebrate the achievement.

Part of the celebrations will see the successes told, interactive stalls and what the future holds.