Fairtrade Fortnight gets underway in Aberdeen

26 February 2018

Various events will take place across Aberdeen as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which begins today (Monday 26 February).

Fairtrade Fortnight 2018 runs from Monday 26 February to Sunday 11 March and this year’s theme is ‘Come on In’ - and join the campaign to support Fairtrade across the world.

Fairtrade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It ensures that farmers and producers in the developing countries get a fair price for their produce to help them support their families and invest in business, social and environmental improvements in their communities.

Aberdeen City Council’s convener of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure committee Councillor Yvonne Allan said: “By supporting Fairtrade Fortnight Aberdeen City Council aims to raise public awareness in the city and to contribute to the council’s corporate strategy of promoting equality and sustainable development.

“We want to encourage individuals and organisations in Aberdeen and further afield to support Fairtrade farmers by buying Fairtrade products, and by doing so support active global citizenship.”

The FAIRTRADE Mark is given to products which meet certain internationally recognised standards.

Aberdeen was first awarded the Fairtrade City status in 2004 in recognition of the strong support for Fairtrade. This status was successfully renewed in December 2016 for another two years.

It is also a requirement of the Fairtrade City Status that Aberdeen City Council is part of the Fairtrade campaign. This is achieved in part by increasing the use of products by the City Council which are fairly-traded and ethically sourced, with the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Details of events can be found on the Fairtrade Page for Aberdeen for a Fairer World http://www.afairerworld.org.uk/

Aberdeen City Council’s Fairtrade Resolution 2017 reaffirms its commitment to be recognised by the residents, business communities in Aberdeen, suppliers, employees and other local authorities as a council that actively supports and promotes Fairtrade.

The City Council further strengthened its commitment to include a representative to attend the external Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group (AFSG) meetings and to support the implementation of the Fairtrade Resolution on a corporate level.