Jessica VEAL
Central America
Discussion: Fair Trade 20 points
The increasing popularity of fair trade has drawn criticism for a variety of reasons. Supporters and opponents of fair trade have been calling for stricter standards and higher fair trade prices. Some people have even referred to a practice of “greenwashing” to entice buyers. Read the following
British article: How Fair is Fair Trade? (If the link is broken, use the following keywords to locate the article in an online search engine: BBC Fair Trade Debate.)
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Where do you stand on the issue of fair trade?
Do you think fair trade actually perpetuates the cycle of poverty in developing nations?
Do you think the fair trade label simply makes unnecessary purchases seem acceptable?
Does it matter?
Post your responses to the Discussion: Fair Trade discussion for grading. Reply thoughtfully to at least two of your classmates postings. Be sure to support your reasoning.
ANSWER KEY: Answers will vary. Answers could include some of the following points …
FAIR TRADE PROS … The Fair Trade Certified coffee market is not only fairer to farmers than the conventional coffee market, it is an uniquely remarkable way to stimulate economic growth in some of the poorest communities on the earth. Money generated by growing coffee is vital for items like shoes, children’s school uniforms, medicines, etc. Research has also shown that Fair
Trade Certified coffee farmers have a low level of migration and stay on their farms. Fair trade guarantees that farmers and farm workers behind Fair Trade Certified goods are paid a fair, above-market price, and fair wages.
FAIR TRADE CONS … not an effective tool to reduce poverty on a wide-scale; Used as a marketing tool; no strict international standards
© KC Distance Learning
Discussion: Fair Trade 20 points
The increasing popularity of fair trade has drawn criticism for a variety of reasons. Supporters and opponents of fair trade have been calling for stricter standards and higher fair trade prices. Some people have even referred to a practice of “greenwashing” to entice buyers. Read the following
British article: How Fair is Fair Trade? (If the link is broken, use the following keywords to locate the article in an online search engine: BBC Fair Trade Debate.)
•
•
•
•
Where do you stand on the issue of fair trade?
Do you think fair trade actually perpetuates the cycle of poverty in developing nations?
Do you think the fair trade label simply makes unnecessary purchases seem acceptable?
Does it matter?
Post your responses to the Discussion: Fair Trade discussion for grading. Reply thoughtfully to at least two of your classmates postings. Be sure to support your reasoning.
ANSWER KEY: Answers will vary. Answers could include some of the following points …
FAIR TRADE PROS … The Fair Trade Certified coffee market is not only fairer to farmers than the conventional coffee market, it is an uniquely remarkable way to stimulate economic growth in some of the poorest communities on the earth. Money generated by growing coffee is vital for items like shoes, children’s school uniforms, medicines, etc. Research has also shown that Fair
Trade Certified coffee farmers have a low level of migration and stay on their farms. Fair trade guarantees that farmers and farm workers behind Fair Trade Certified goods are paid a fair, above-market price, and fair wages.
FAIR TRADE CONS … not an effective tool to reduce poverty on a wide-scale; Used as a marketing tool; no strict international standards
© KC Distance Learning