Orkney Renews its Fairtrade Zone Accreditation

That the Parliament congratulates Orkney on being named a Fairtrade Zone; recognises the importance of Fairtrade products in supporting better prices, working conditions, local sustainability and fair trading terms for farmers in the developing world; understands that the Orkney Fair Trade Group made the application for renewal, and successfully demonstrated that Orkney sells, promotes, supports and understands Fairtrade produce; notes that the Fairtrade Foundation, which administers the accreditation scheme, highlighted Orkney Fair Trade Group’s range of events, level of support from local retailers and their strong relationship with Orkney Islands Council as reasons for the island becoming a Fairtrade Zone once again; welcomes the group’s "Buy Fair and Buy Local" strategy, which enables links to be made with local businesses in the promotion of Fairtrade; pays tribute to all those who have played a part in achieving this accreditation for Orkney, and wishes them continuing success in campaigning for even wider access to Fairtrade products in Orkney.