Orkney has received an illustrious title after being branded as community of the month by the Fairtrade Foundation.
Orkney has been chosen to gain national and international recognition due to its profile in the food and drink sector, with producers and retailers supporting the use of fair trade products.
Across the UK, 635 fair trade communities currently exist, spanning across towns, cities and islands, with all sharing a commitment to promoting fair trade within their local businesses and community organisations.
Lorna Penny, chairwoman of Orkney Fair Trade Group, said: “We’re hugely proud of what Orkney has achieved to deserve this national acclaim.”
Adam Gardner, head of campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Orkney Fair Trade Group are recognised in the Fairtrade Foundation’s Community of the Month for their consistent campaigning since becoming a Fairtrade Zone in 2014.
“They recently renewed their Fairtrade Award and show prowess in bringing together all aspects of community on the island with things that are important to inhabitants, adding a Fairtrade element to events taking place and linking local and fair food in a ‘Buy Local, Buy Fair’ campaign.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of the public and campaigners like those in Orkney, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”