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Saarland Becomes Germany’s First Fairtrade State After Decade-Long Push

From pioneering Fairtrade towns to statewide certification, Saarland’s journey redefines ethical consumption. Could this inspire a national movement for fairer trade?

In this image there is a super market, in that super market there are groceries.
In this image there is a super market, in that super market there are groceries.

Saarland is the first Fairtrade Federal State - Saarland Becomes Germany’s First Fairtrade State After Decade-Long Push

Saarland has been officially recognized as Germany's first Fairtrade state. Fairtrade Germany commends the region's decade-long commitment to improving living conditions for small-scale farmers and workers worldwide.

The journey began in 2009 when Saarbrücken became Germany's first Fairtrade Town. In 2014, the University of Saarland followed suit, becoming the country's first Fairtrade University. The process culminated in Saarland becoming a Fairtrade state, a title bestowed after nearly a decade of preparation.

To achieve this, Saarland established a steering committee, launched public awareness campaigns, and ensured that over two-thirds of its population resided in Fairtrade-certified cities or districts. Today, over three-quarters of Saarland’s population lives in a Fairtrade-certified area, with numerous schools, shops, cafés, restaurants, and public institutions offering Fairtrade products. Minister-President Anke Rehlinger (SPD) honored this commitment during a ceremony.

Fairtrade Germany's Executive Director, Claudia Brück, praised Saarland's dedication to sustainable consumption and global justice. This recognition highlights Saarland's role as a pioneer in ethical trade, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.

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