Ethical tea at Luton Hindu temple
Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj temple is first in UK to get Fairtrade status
A Hindu temple in Luton has become the first in the UK to be awarded Fairtrade status.
International development minister Gareth Thomas visited the Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj temple in Hereford Road on Tuesday, March 2, to present a certificate to delighted temple leaders to confirm the achievement.
The minister then enjoyed tea and biscuits with members of the local community and discussed the benefits of Fairtrade Fortnight.
Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj began serving products with the popular ethical label in November 2009 as part of England's national interfaith week.
The Fairtrade status will see teas, coffees and biscuits bearing the mark served to worshippers following services and at community events.
Mr Thomas also met Indian tea producer Greaves Balraj Henriksen at the temple, a compliance officer at United Nilgiri Tea Estates, whose
organisation has benefited from being awarded Fairtrade certification.
Mr Thomas said: "I would like to congratulate everyone at the Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj temple on achieving Fairtrade status.
"This decision will have a positive impact on farmers and producers in some of the world's poorest countries.
"People of all faiths can take the opportunity to ensure that farmers and producers get a fair deal for their work by opting to buy Fairtrade."
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Weather for Bedford
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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