Orkney Fair Trade Group is planning a year of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Fairtrade Mark.

This well-known branding gives consumers certainty that the goods they buy have been traded fairly, at a sustainable price, from businesses and small producers who maintain decent employment practices, look after their environment and invest in their communities.

Orkney has over 40 local shops across the islands selling a huge range of Fairtrade goods – the biggest number for any area in Scotland.

The Orkney Fair Trade Group will be continuing to supply free Fairtrade coffee, tea and sugar to local charities and community groups for activities, events, and fundraisers of all kinds and for any good cause, so that everyone can raise a cuppa for Fair Trade this year – just get in touch to arrange quantity and delivery.

They’ll also be busy as usual providing educational visits and resources for schools. One big change though – this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight takes place in the autumn instead of the early spring as before.

Instead, there will be Big Brew events – tea and coffee mornings in February/March – to raise funds for Transform Trade (formerly Traidcraft Exchange), which helps small producers in the global south to develop their products and reach new markets.

Kirkwall East Church is holding theirs on Saturday 2nd March: watch out for more details.

The Orkney Fair Trade Group is also keen to recruit new members to join the fun in this big anniversary year – all welcome!