1.
Fairtrade
is a global nonprofit organization that aims to improve the working conditions
and wages of farmers and workers, especially in developing communities, with an
emphasis on sustainability and protecting the environment. Any product bearing
the International Fairtrade Certification Mark has been produced by a
small-scale farm or organization that meets a set of social, economic, and
environmental standards designated by Fairtrade. The products endorsed by
Fairtrade include fruits and vegetables, honey, cocoa, coffee, cotton, quinoa,
spices, sugar, rice, tea, and wine, to name a few. The movement offers stable
prices, a Fairtrade premium, and it empowers farmers and workers.
2.
The ISEAL
Alliance officially recognized Fairtrade International for having reached the
highest standards for defining ethical trade in 2007. This is the same year
that global trade increased by 47%, and producers became co-owners of the
organization. By 2013, the organization’s total sales revenue was over € 1.4
trillion, and more than 1.4 million farmers and workers worldwide were involved
in Fairtrade in 70 countries. These families were able to benefit from the
Fairtrade program, and many communities also received a number health, social,
and monetary benefits.
3.
Despite
its worthy intentions, Fairtrade International has its fair share of critics as
well. Many of the criticisms are that there isn’t a strict enough inspection
procedure, or that the right people may not be benefitting. For example, despite
the company’s standards and screenings, there may still be some farms that
break the codes without getting caught. There are also criticisms that Fairtrade’s
often mentioned premiums may not go directly to the farmers. Additionally, there
are worries that Fairtrade may not have a realistic way to sustain long-term effects,
such as how to deal with price inflation and oversupply.
Regardless of these
flaws in its model, there is no denying that Fairtrade has helped improve the
lives of many small farmers and workers.
Relevant Sites:
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en
http://valuesandframes.org/casestudy/fairtrade-foundation/
http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/the_problem_with_fair_trade_coffee
Photo Citations:
1. http://www.specialfruit.com/images/FairtradeLogo.JPG
2. http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/cc/27/00/cc27005c4bc26f27eb54c0ade3f2182a.jpg
3. http://www.haverford.edu/generated/organizations/fairtradeinitiative_logo.jpg
