Fairtrade

Opsterland may call itself a Fairtrade Municipality. This title indicates that in our municipality stores, restaurants, businesses, organizations and the municipal organization work together to increase fair trade. In this way we enable farmers and producers in developing countries to improve their own living conditions and build a future for their businesses, their families and their environment.

Fairtrade Municipality is an honorary title indicating that a municipality pays particular attention to fair trade. The municipality receives the title when the local community meets six campaign criteria:

  1. A working group promotes fair trade
    A local working group is active, taking initiatives to achieve and maintain the title Fairtrade Municipality.

  2. Local government chooses fair trade
    The local government speaks out in favor of fair trade. The municipality incorporates this into policy and purchases fair trade.

  3. Stores and restaurants sell fair trade products
    In local stores they sell fair trade products in a clearly visible way. Hospitality establishments serve fair trade products.

  4. Businesses and organizations use fair trade
    Local businesses and community organizations buy and use fair trade products.

  5. Local (media) attention for fair trade
    There is a strategy to keep the campaign in the news for a long time. The working group organizes public events.

  6. Encourage corporate social responsibility
    The working group supports or undertakes its own initiatives that contribute to sustainability.

Learn more

The Fairtrade Municipality website www.fairtradegemeenten.nl provides more information about fair trade and its importance.