Adendorf sets an example: Fair community shines in new splendor!

Adendorf sets an example: Fair community shines in new splendor!

In Adendorf, an up-and-coming community in northern Germany, fairness is very important. Officially recognized as a Fairtrade community for a short time, the community is now clearly committed to promoting fair trade at a local level. “We want to create visibility and make citizens aware of the issues of fairness and sustainable procurement,” emphasizes Mayor Thomas Maack. The status as a Fairtrade community is highlighted with new signs at the town entrances and an eye-catching hoarding banner.

The commitment to promoting fair products is not just an advertising campaign, but has deeper roots. Department head Tim Conrad emphasizes the importance of fair trade for the community. Adendorf is committed to promoting fair trade products and takes fair procurement criteria into account. Lueneburg current reports that this is not just a local concern, but part of a larger movement that is also affecting other cities and towns in Germany.

A network for fair procurement

But what makes a community a Fairtrade community? An important element is the “Fair Trade Capital” competition. It honors communities that are particularly committed to fair trade and fair public procurement. Award-winning municipalities can look forward to prize money totaling 220,000 euros to further advance their fair projects. Adendorf already has a foot in the door, but must prove that they meet the requirements by the application on June 30, 2025. The festive award ceremony will then take place on October 29, 2025, which will create further incentives to deal intensively with the topic. Commitment Global highlights the importance of networks that support communities in fair procurement.

A comprehensive study illustrates the positive effects that fair trade and fair procurement have had in Germany since 2015. An analysis shows that more and more municipalities are recognizing how important fair trade is for development policy. The demand for sustainable and fair products has also increased significantly. Many citizens are involved in world shops or support campaigns such as Fairtrade Towns and Schools, which encourages the topic to be anchored locally. The Fair Trade Forum also underlines the need for greater political and economic cooperation.

A step in the right direction

While much progress has already been made, fair trade remains a challenge. Financial resources are often limited and a large part of the work depends on volunteer work. The fair trade movement is aware of these challenges and is actively fighting in debates such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act to increase the visibility of fair practices.

Adendorf has ambitious plans and the path to becoming a model community for fair trade has been paved. “We don’t stop, because we have something on our agenda,” concludes Maack. Information about the Fairtrade community is available directly on the community website or at the town hall. The tranquil Adendorf shows that even small communities can achieve great things when it comes to fairness and sustainability.