L- R From Orkney Islands Council: Rosemary Colsell, Procurement Manager; Cllr Harvey Johnston, Convenor; Hayley Green, Head of IT ; Facilities; Gillian Morrison, Executive Director of Corporate Services. And from Orkney Fair Trade Group: Chair Lorna Penny, Committee Members Amber Kennedy, Gillian Smee

Orkney Fair Trade Group is celebrating the success of its recent application for renewal of the islands’ Fairtrade Zone status, having demonstrated a high level of support from local food producers, shops and cafes, churches, schools, community groups, and Orkney Islands Council.

Harvey Johnston, Convenor of OIC said:

“We’re very proud of Orkney’s reputation for high quality food and drink, and how successful we’ve been here, in combining this with an outward looking spirit and support for farming and food production worldwide.

“It’s great to have the promotion of Fairtrade sitting squarely as a feature of the Orkney scene – we know and care where all our food comes from”.

Lorna Penny, Chair of Orkney Fair Trade Group, thanked everyone who has  taken part in events, campaigns and activities throughout the past two years for their interest and support.

A survey recently showed that 91% of shoppers in the UK were familiar with the FAIRTRADE mark and that they bought those products they felt it reflected their personal values.