Connecting Communities, Climate Action and Fairtrade in Aberdeenshire

Fairtrade Aberdeenshire

Date Published: 17 July 2026

Across Aberdeenshire, a network of passionate volunteers and community representatives are working together to promote Fairtrade and strengthen connections between climate action, ethical consumption and local resilience.

The Aberdeenshire Fairtrade Steering Group brings together representatives from local Fairtrade groups spanning a wide geography – including Mid Formartine, Peterhead and Buchan, Stonehaven and Alford – alongside partners from Aberdeenshire Council, businesses, and regional organisations.
This collaborative approach reflects the scale and diversity of Aberdeenshire itself, where communities are often separated by distance but united by a shared commitment to fairness, sustainability and climate action.

Engaging communities through events and partnerships

Engagement activity is at the heart of the group’s work. Across Aberdeenshire, local Fairtrade groups have delivered a wide range of events and campaigns, including:

  • Coffee mornings, café events and tasting sessions
  • Market stalls and community picnics
  • Film screenings and themed events
  • School workshops, fashion shows, competitions and youth engagement programmes
  • Participation in campaigns such as Fairtrade Fortnight and local climate events

These activities are often delivered in partnership with organisations such as Co-op, Action for a Fairer World, schools, churches and local climate action hubs, helping to widen reach and impact. The group is increasingly looking to connect Fairtrade activity with wider regional initiatives, including Climate Week North East, recognising the alignment between global justice and local climate action.

Fairtrade and climate change – making the connection

For many involved in the Steering Group, Fairtrade is not a standalone campaign—it is a key part of responding to the climate crisis.

Through events, school engagement and communications, groups are strengthening understanding of:

  • How climate change is impacting farmers and producers globally
  • The role of fair pricing and sustainable practices in building resilience
  • The importance of ethical supply chains in tackling inequality

By connecting global and local perspectives, the groups help communities understand how everyday choices, such as buying Fairtrade products, can contribute to a fairer and more sustainable world.

Supporting local producers alongside global fairness

While Fairtrade focuses on supporting producers in the Global South, the Steering Group is equally clear that this does not come at the expense of local priorities.

A key message shared across Aberdeenshire is that supporting Fairtrade and supporting local are complementary, not competing actions. This includes linking conversations on Fairtrade to topics such as:

  • Local food and drink
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Ethical consumption and waste reduction

This joined-up approach reflects a broader understanding of how local and global systems are interconnected.

A collaborative approach to growing impact

The Steering Group itself plays a vital role in bringing together shared learning and strengthening collaboration across the region. It provides a space to:

  • Share ideas, resources and good practice
  • Coordinate activity across communities
  • Build partnerships with organisations such as NESCAN
  • Support the ongoing Fairtrade Zone status for Aberdeenshire

Looking ahead, there is a strong focus on growing participation, developing more engaging events, and deepening the connection between Fairtrade, climate action and community resilience.

Looking forward

As Aberdeenshire continues its Fairtrade journey, the Steering Group is focused on building on strong foundations while adapting to challenges, particularly around volunteer capacity and engagement. Through collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to fairness and sustainability, the group continues to demonstrate how local action can contribute to global change.

Get involved

Whether through attending an event, supporting a local group, or making conscious purchasing choices, there are many ways to get involved in Fairtrade across Aberdeenshire. If you would like to learn more about a group in your area which could utilise your support, please email: sustainability@aberdeenshire.gov.uk