SAINSBURY’S has dropped the Fairtrade Mark on its own brand tea and has replaced it with its own label “Fairly Traded.”

“Do you notice the difference?” asks Laura Conyngham, Fairtrade supporter from Crediton, who added: “Perhaps Sainsbury’s hope that its customers will not, as they take away power from farmers, undermine standards and damage hard-won consumer trust."

Laura added: “It is important that we continue to look for the Fairtrade Mark on our tea, coffee, groceries and craft items.

"If you are not sure whether you are being served Fairtrade, find out and choose somewhere that does.

“It is 10 years since Crediton became a Fairtrade Town.

"We declared in July 2007, celebrated in October 2007 and achieved renewal status in 2010.

"Encouraged by Methodist Minister Barbara Calvert, a small group tried to meet as a steering group but, no-one had the energy. Then Barbi Lund hosted a busy meeting at her home and Crediton Fairtrade Partnership was off on the first of 38 meetings.

"With the support of Crediton Town Council, and with backing from Fairtrade Devon, we organised lively events and school assemblies with Fairtrade producers who could tell us how much difference Fairtrade makes to them and their community.”

Alan Quick