Aberdeen successfully renews Fairtrade status
12 December 2016
Aberdeen has successfully renewed Fairtrade City status for two years, following its ongoing commitment to promoting Fairtrade principles.
The Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group revealed its plans to promote Fairtrade to more community groups and businesses in the area by taking part in campaigns, including the UK-wide Fairtrade Fortnight at the end of February.
Aberdeen was first awarded Fairtrade status in 2004 in recognition of the strong support for Fairtrade within Aberdeen, and the achievement of the qualifying goals, such as a wide availability of Fairtrade products in local shops and catering outlets, and high levels of support from local people, businesses and schools.
Convener of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Neil Cooney said: “Fairtrade has paved the way for sustainable trading by providing a safety net for world’s poorest farmers against volatile market prices, and I am delighted that Aberdeen has been awarded Fairtrade City status.
“This award is testament to the passion and commitment of the people within Aberdeen that have been integral to achieving Aberdeen's Fairtrade City status”.
Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re very pleased that Aberdeen has renewed their Fairtrade status and laid out clear exciting goals to take Fairtrade further.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”
Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.
The FAIRTRADE Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide.