Esslingen district wants to become a Fairtrade district: Here's how it works!

Esslingen district wants to become a Fairtrade district: Here's how it works!

Something is happening in the Esslingen district! The region is currently aiming to be recognized as a Fairtrade district. A newly founded steering group has been formed with the aim of strengthening fair trade and bringing fair products into the everyday lives of citizens. This is intended to advance the certification process and is led by the first state official Marion Leuze-Mohr. On board are representatives from various areas, including the agricultural office, tourism promotion, as well as Fairtrade municipalities, world shops, schools and institutions from the catering and retail sectors. Together they want to network and make fair trade known, as the NTZ reports.

In order to support its ambitions, the district administration has already converted the supply contracts for canteen catering to fair supply chains. In addition, the steering group identifies current actors in the district who are committed to fair trade. In order to successfully apply to become a Fairtrade district, certain offers and promotions must be proven. Anyone interested can contact the steering group at fairtrade@lra-es.de report.

Extensive plans for 2026

District-wide activities and coordinated public relations work are planned for 2026 to further promote fair trade. An exciting highlight will be a large event on the topic of fair trade, which is scheduled to take place on June 28, 2026 in the Beuren open-air museum. Anyone interested can contact Janina Willrich at willrich.janina@lra-es.de turn around.

In another light, it shows that municipalities play an indispensable role in fair trade: they are able to recognize and support local needs. The Böblingen district, which has been active with a One World funding policy since 1987, recently received certification as a Fairtrade district. This was celebrated on October 9, 2023. The funding guidelines have supported numerous projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America with a total volume of 1.3 million euros, as the LRABB reports.

Sustainability in focus

Fair trade in the Böblingen district is supported by a development policy network of over 50 initiatives and associations. The district administration also promotes fair and sustainable procurement, including through the regional brand HEIMAT. Campaigns such as fair weeks, regional breakfasts and themed events raise awareness among the population about fair consumption.

In the context of these developments, Mannheim is also a good example: the city has enshrined fair procurement in various documents and is thus pursuing its sustainability strategy. Here, social and ecological criteria are also heavily weighted in procurement practice. A corresponding fundamental decision stipulates that at least 30 percent of these criteria must be taken into account when selecting providers, says Engagement Global.

All of these activities show that fair trade is becoming increasingly important in the region and beyond. Whether in the Esslingen, Böblingen or Mannheim districts – the movement towards sustainability and fair trading practices is gaining momentum!