The renewed certification is more than just a label: it represents the university's long-term, strategic committment to sustainability. “The Fairtrade certifaction connects various areas of focus, from sustainable procurement and educational programs to simply raising awareness in everyday university life,” explains a representative of the university's Fairtrade steering group, which is composed of both students and members of staff.
The steering group has championed fair trade principles at Hochschule Geisenheim University since 2020, playing a key role in helping the university achieve official certification as a Fairtrade University in 2022. This year, the university has once again demonstrated its dedication to fair trade by fulfilling five central criteria:
- Official university resolution: The senate and student parliament have formally decided that the university is committed to being a Fairtrade University
- Fair purchasing: Fair trade products such as coffee, tea, and orange juice are provided at internal meetings and events.
- Availability of fair products: A variety of Fairtrade products, including coffee, cocoa, tea, and sweets, are available in the canteen.
- Educational events: At least two events per semester offer staff and students an opportunity to engage with topics related to fair trade.
- Participatory steering group: The steering group is an open working group made up of students and staff - new members are always welcome!
The topics of fair trade and sustainability are deeply aligned with the overall values and identity of Hochschule Geisenheim University; the university focuses on the entire value chain of food and beverages in both research and teaching, as well as the cultural landscapes tied to them. Many typical Fairtrade products – think coffee, cocoa, and cotton – are specialty crops that cannot be grown in Germany's climate, yet they play a vital role in the university's approach to research, teaching, and procurement.
As a Fairtrade University, Hochschule Geiseneheim takes responsibility for socially fair procurement and takes a clear stance against exploitative trade structures. Fairtrade products improve the working and living conditions in countries in the Global South and complement, rather than compete with, regional products and the university's own products.
Get Involved: Information and Games Evening “What Does Fair Really Mean?”
All members of the university are warmly invited to actively get involved with the topic of fair trade, whether by joining the steering group or attending upcoming events.
A special event is coming up on June 12, 2025: the Information and Games Evening “What Does Fair Really Mean?” will be held in the AStA learning room (Brentanostraße 9) from 6 p.m. The event will feature an exciting mix of information, discussions, and interactive games on the topics of fair trade, global justice, and sustainable consumption. It's a fun and accessible way to learn more about the topic, no prior knowledge required. Come along and pick up some practical tips for everyday life!
