Eckental remains a pioneer: successful Fairtrade certification extended!

Eckental remains a pioneer: successful Fairtrade certification extended!

On October 11, 2025, the Eckental market once again successfully extended its certification as a Fairtrade community. This confirmation is not only a sign of the community's commitment to fair trade, but also a step towards greater sustainability in the region. Mayor Ilse Dölle emphasizes the importance of this certification for global justice and responsibility. Since 2023, Eckental has officially been a Fairtrade community, a status that is reviewed every two years by Fairtrade Germany.

The path to becoming a Fairtrade community began in 2019 with joining the Nuremberg metropolitan region's pact for sustainable procurement. The local council decided in December 2020 to seek the certificate. The application was finally submitted on August 31, 2022 after meeting the required criteria. These criteria include, among other things, the use of fairly traded products in administration, schools and clubs as well as various awareness-raising campaigns.

Commitment to fair trade

The Fairtrade Steering Group, made up of members of the local council, administration, business community and volunteers, plays a central role in driving the activities forward. The community regularly organizes events and campaigns to raise awareness of fair trade. This is particularly important because fair trade not only improves living conditions in the producing countries, but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental protection.

Fairtrade means that workers in the producing countries receive a fair wage. This not only contributes to the fight against poverty, but also improves the quality of life of people in the countries of the Global South. Fair trade has established itself as an important component of development cooperation, and in Germany too, consumers have the opportunity to actively contribute to the fight against poverty by purchasing fair trade products. In 2013 alone, 83 million euros were paid out in Fairtrade premiums, which were used for municipal projects.

Criteria for certification

In order to be certified as a Fairtrade community, five key criteria must be met. This includes:

• Ratsbeschluss zur Unterstützung des fairen Handels.
• Gründung einer Steuerungsgruppe zur Koordination der Aktivitäten.
• Angebot von mindestens zwei Fairtrade-Produkten in Geschäften und Gastronomiebetrieben.
• Einbindung der Zivilgesellschaft durch Organisationen und jährliche Aktionen.
• Gewinnung der Medien für Berichterstattung über die Fairtrade-Aktivitäten.

Requirements vary depending on the population of the community, meaning each community has its own unique challenges and opportunities. Eckental shows that smaller communities can also achieve great things and, with their commitment, sets a strong example for sustainability and fairness in the region.

The Eckental example is an inspiring model of how local communities can make a difference both globally and locally through responsible actions and commitment to fair goods. Like from Wiesentbote reports, the community's success illustrates the potential that lies in the cooperation of all actors.

For those who would like to know more about the criteria and opportunities for participation, the site offers Fair community interesting starting points. Together we can all contribute to creating a fairer and more sustainable world, which is also in line with the goals of the Fairtrade movement lies.