Debate Subjects

Barker, E. (2004). Make a fair trade: a new movement lets tea drinkers merge activism with healthy indulgence - Community. Natural Health, 34(1), 52-56.

A new movement lets tea drinkers merge activism with healthy indulgence. The "fair trade certified" seal can be found on many varieties of premium organic tea. The label guarantees that farmers have received fair wages for harvesting and processing those tea leaves. A growing band of companies are joining the fair-trade movement, taking action to ensure that plantation workers get a fair wage for their efforts. If one is a tea lover, choosing fair-trade products, such as blends from Zhena's Gypsy Tea and Taylor Maid Farms, offers one the chance to do right by oneself and at the same time, contribute to a greater good. INSET: Black, green and white teas.

Available online: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_1_34/ai_111896956/

Bastian, H. (2006). Keeping fair trade fair in mexico. NACLA Report on the Americas, 39(6), 6-9.

This article examines the outcome of Fair Trade in Mexico in 2006. Fair Trade is very visible in the coffee industry in the country. The crossover of Fair Trade products from a small specialty market to the mainstream would seem a welcome development for small-scale coffee producers. It is a manifestation of the growth of the Fair Trade market. Some factors which contributed to this growth are stated. Moreover, this article discusses the consolidation of the Fair Trade market.

Béji-Bécheur, A., Pedregal, V., & Özçaglar-Toulouse, N. (2008). Fair trade-just how "fair" are the exchanges? Journal of Macromarketing, 28(1), 44.

Fair trade has become increasingly recognized and studied since the late 1990s. It purports to be an example of a "fairer" exchange than conventional trade between South producers and North purchasers. Beyond the controversial definition of a "fair trade," it is important to query stakeholder practices: To what extent do fair trade stakeholders actually practice the principles of justice in exchanges? How do they perceive fairness? Given these questions, the authors of this article analyze both specialized and labeled commodity chains, using the Laotian organization Lao Farmers Product as a case study. Based on documentary and netnographic research, as well as semistructured interviews, the study identifies impediments to the emergence of a consensus on the notion of fairness in exchange. The theories of Kant, Habennas, Walzer and Elster help to explain why.

Chanteau, J. (2008). Fighting economic inequalities through different types of "fair trade": A comparative institutionalist analysis. [La diversite des "commerces equitables" face aux inegalites economiques. Une analyse institutionnalist comparative] Revue Tiers Monde, 49(195), 555-572.

On what conditions can "fair trade" contribute to reducing economic inequalities? Our study addresses this issue by specifying the type of rules related to "fair trade" since the mid-19th century to work out the "right" price within a market economy. Our research results in specifying three types of institutional forms of "fair trade" (associationist; intergovernemental; sectoral), whether i) the rules regarding "fair trade" primarily exert a pressure on the organization of the exchange or of the production; & ii) how the power to specify these rules of "fair trade" is institutionalized. Figures, References. Adapted from the source document.

Cooper, B. (2008). The future of fairtrade - opportunities and challenges: Management briefing: Responding to critics, perceptions of value and retail pricing. Just - Food, 19.

The expansion of the movement obviously leads to debate within the organization, particularly over the issue of how closely it should work with retailers and brands which in other spheres of their operation may attract criticism from campaigners. The Fairtrade Minimum Price puts farmers on a more stable financial footing, reducing their exposure to fluctuating commodity prices and allowing them to plan ahead. The criticism that Fairtrade represents an artificial prop for products that cannot compete on the free market leads directly to the question of the retail pricing of Fairtrade products. However, showing that Fairtrade products can achieve price parity with regular ones represents a compelling counter to the suggestion that Fairtrade distorts the market. Ultimately the best way for Fairtrade to win the argument will be by simply staying around and continuing to grow. (Cooper, 2008)

Early, M. (2004). A different view of fair trade. New York Times, 6.

To the Editor: Re ''Helping the Third World One Banana at a Time'' (May 5): I am a founder of one of the coffee importers that Julia Moskin mentioned as having pulled out of the TransFair system. TransFair's seal is often referred to as the ''Fair Trade'' label. It is actually the ''Fair Trade Certified'' label, a term that TransFair has trademarked. TransFair does not own the concept of Fair Trade or the larger movement around it. (Early, 2004)

Available online: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/26/dining/l-a-different-view-of-fair-trade-737879.html

Elliott, K. A. (2008). "Fair trade:" market or movement? Conference Papers - International Studies Association, 1-28.

This paper examines how these fair trade markets work and what the prospects are for further expansion.

Available online: http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/5/3/9/1/pages253916/p253916-1.php

Elms, D. K. (2007). "Fair" trade: How fairness considerations alter bargaining outcomes. Conference Papers - American Political Science Association, 1-30.

This paper moves the discussion of fairness out of the laboratory and examines the role of fairness in bargaining over trade. Individual negotiators in international settings actively consider the potential for "fairness" in trade partners. They respond differently to actors viewed as "unfair" than to those who will likely play "fair" in bargaining. (Elms, 2007)

Available online: http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/1/1/5/6/pages211560/p211560-1.php

Fair enough?(2006). New Internationalist, (395), 7-9.

The article argues that when big corporations enter the fair trade market, they are concerned with public relations than with a real commitment to fair trade practices and the structural changes they entail. 100% fair trade companies benefit the global network of workers and farmers and should eventually enable them to create sustainable markets for their goods. Insets discuss the future of fair trade and how to read fair trade labels. INSETS: On your marks!;What is fair trade's future?.

Available online: http://www.newint.org/features/2006/11/01/fairtrade/

Fieser, E., & Padgett, T. (2009). What price for good coffee? The Atlantic Times,171(13), 90-91.

The article discusses fair trade and the status of helping small farmers in the coffee trade. It notes that coffee farmers in developing countries who were to benefit from the fair trade program remain economically depressed. It cites comments of fair trade advocates including Rick Peyser and Rodney North.

Fridell, G. (2009). The co-operative and the corporation: Competing visions of the future of fair trade. Journal of Business Ethics, 86, 81.

This paper provides an analysis of the fair trade network in the North through a comparative assessment of two distinctly different fair trade certified roasters: Planet Bean, a worker-owned co-operative in Guelph, Ontario; and Starbucks Coffee Company, the world's largest specialty roaster. The two organizations are assessed on the basis of their distinct visions of the fair trade mission and their understandings of "consumer sovereignty". It is concluded that the objectives of Planet Bean are more compatible with the moral mission of fair trade, even while the network has become increasingly dependent on the market-reach of corporations like Starbucks, raising difficult prospects for the future of fair trade. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Goig, R. L. (2007). Fair trade and global cognitive orientation: A focus on spanish fair trade consumers. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 31(5), 468.

In the past few years, there has been an increase in the 'ethical consumer', characterized by more reflexive values like solidarity, social responsibility, multiculturalism and ecology. This idea has found support in the appearance and development of proposals like fair trade, along with others, such as responsible consumption, the recycling business or sustainable development. In a parallel way, also during the past few years, various analysts have pointed out that the phenomenon of globalization is changing not only the aspect of the world but also our way of perceiving it, which is progressively becoming a 'global orientation'. In the framework of these two tendencies, this paper examines the extent to which 'global orientation' is also a characteristic of consumers of fair trade products. The paper presents a two-phase exploratory study. […] The results showed that the purchase of fair trade products is influenced by the 'global orientation' of the consumer, although other factors, such as a sense of social responsibility and trust in international non-governmental organizations, can condition this influence. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Hayes, M. (2006). On the efficiency of fair trade. Review of Social Economy, 64(4), 447.

This paper uses competitive equilibrium theory to analyze the economic efficiency of international "fair trade" between ethical consumers and low-income producers. The main analytical innovations are the reconsideration of the labor supply decision in a state of Keynesian involuntary unemployment as a choice between work and, not leisure, but inferior production activities; and the application of Pigou and Robinson's theory of employer monopsony, leading to a focus on the "local fair trade organization", which has a similar effect to a labor union or minimum wage in eliminating monopsony rents. A price premium is found neither necessary nor sufficient for fair trade, and in a state of involuntary unemployment a premium does not lead to inefficient allocation. The conclusion is that fair trade improves welfare by strengthening competition for labor, and should be encouraged as a complementary element of an enlightened trade liberalization policy. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Henderson, D. (2008). Fair trade is counterproductive - and unfair. Economic Affairs, 28(3), 62.

Fair trade - paying a price premium for commodities based not on quality but on employment and other conditions - is counterproductive and unfair. It results in consumers getting a lower-quality product. Much of the gain from the price premium goes to the fair-trade bureaucracy rather than to the producer. Fair trade may even, if effective, destroy the banana industry. A better solution for consumers and third-world producers is to abolish all remaining trade barriers. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Is fairtrade still fair?(2009). Ecologist, 39(1), 10-10.

The article discusses the ways in which the prominence of Fairtrade certification in industries such as the coffee trade has diluted the commitment to trade justice. Fair Trade Alliance of Kerala founder Tomy Mathews delivered a speech at a conference hosted by Cooperatives UK discussed this conundrum. This sentiment was supported by General Secretary of the Kenya Women Workers' Organisation Kathini Maloba.

Le Mare, A. (2007). Fair trade as narrative: The stories within fair trade. Narrative Inquiry, 17(1), 69-92.

This article considers the different stories within Fair Trade and how they come together as a narrative that informs both the social movement of Fair Trade and the practice of Fair Trade business relationships. The circuit of culture is used to explore the meanings and understandings that are part of Fair Trade, from both a producer and a consumer point of view, and to demonstrate how these narratives are influenced by economic, political and social structures. However, the practice of Fair Trade also allows for the use of power in new ways, challenging some of the dominant modes of production and consumption. (Le Mare, 2007)

Legg, C., & Legg, T. (2007). Left out of 'fair trade.'. New Internationalist, (397), 38-38.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the articles on fair trade in Issue 395.

Low, W. & Davenport, E. (2005), postcards from the edge: maintaining the "alternative" character of fair trade, Sustainable Development, 13(3), 143-153.

This paper argues that the pressures for fair trade to substantially increase market access for marginalized producers in the global South and subsequently move fair trade out of niche into mainstream markets is reshaping the boundaries of the movement. We suggest that going mainstream carries with it the danger of appropriation of the more convenient elements of fair trade by the commercial sector and loss of the more radical edges. This paper examines the changing discourse surrounding fair trade, critically reflecting on the movement's history to understand how its evolution to date might influence its possible futures. The paper concludes by exploring how various elements within the fair trade movement are trying to retain a radical edge in order to continue to provide a critique of the dominant paradigm of business and trade. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Macdonald, K. (2007). Globalising justice within coffee supply chains? fair trade, starbucks and the transformation of supply chain governance. Third World Quarterly, 28(4), 793-812.

This paper reviews a range of initiatives that attempt to transform the global institutional arrangements through which production and trade of coffee is organised and governed. Specifically, it examines the Fair Trade system, Starbucks' CAFÉ Practices Program, and a range of wider campaigning activities around issues of 'trade justice'. These initiatives are shown to have contributed to the empowerment of marginalised workers and producers in the global coffee industry, to the extent that they have complied with the following three conditions: promoting the acceptance of expanded responsibility for tackling disempowerment among relevant decision makers in the global North; strengthening institutional capabilities necessary for these responsibilities to be effectively discharged; and enabling marginalised groups themselves to exercise some control over processes of institutional transformation. (Macdonald, 2007)

Maseland, R., & de Vaal, A. (2002). How fair is fair trade? De Economist, 150(3), 251.

This paper investigates to what extent fair trade programs are indeed fair. This is accomplished by comparing fair trade with free trade and protectionist trade regimes on their compliance of the criteria set by the fair trade movement itself. This comparison is made using comparative cost based models and economies of scale models. It is found that whether or not fair trade is superior to free trade or protectionism is highly dependent on a number of characteristics of the products to which fair trade is applied as well as on the context within which international trade takes place. (Maseland and all., 2002)

Neely, G., & Gray, J. (2002). Fair trade. Economist, 365(8300), 16-16.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Face Value" in the November 9, 2002 issue.

Plater, S. (2007). Fair trade premiums. Ecologist, 37(6), 7-7.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about fair trade in the May 2007 issue.

Reilly, K. (2009). All's not fair. New Internationalist, (419), 2-2.

A letter to the editor regarding an article by Anna Hutchens on fair trade in Vanuatu, published in issue 417 of the journal, is presented.

Rogers, T. (2004). Small coffee brewers try to redefine fair trade. Christian Science Monitor, 96(96), 1.

Fueled by a popular taste for lattes and cappuccinos and a growing consumer-awareness campaign, the fair-trade coffee movement has tens of thousands of Americans asking for a scoop of social justice with their morning coffee. (Rogers, 2004)

Available online: http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0413/p01s02-woam.html

Stecklow, S., & White, E. (2004). At some retailers, 'fair trade' carries A very high cost. Wall Street Journal - Eastern Edition, 243(111), A1-A10.

Reports that retail mark-ups for fair-trade produce does not get back to the farmers themselves. History of fair trade commerce; Comments from fair-trade advocates; Focus on coffee and bananas; Pricing details among various supermarkets.

Stiglitz, J. E. & Andrew, C. (2006). Fair Trade For All: How Trade Can Promote Development. Oxford University Press. 315p.

In Fair Trade For All, Stiglitz and Charlton address one of the key issues facing world leaders today--how can the poorer countries of the world be helped to help themselves through freer, fairer trade? To answer this question, the authors put forward a radical and realistic new model for managing trading relationships between the richest and the poorest countries. Their approach is designed to open up markets in the interests of all nations and not just the most powerful economies, to ensure that trade promotes development, and to minimize the costs of adjustments. Beginning with a brief history of the World Trade Organization and its agreements, the authors explore the issues and events which led to the failure of 2003 Cancun summit and the obstacles that face the successful completion of the Doha Round of negotiations. Finally they spell out the reforms and principles upon which a successful agreement must be based. (Synopsis)

Sudo, P. (1996). Is free trade fair trade? Scholastic Update, 126(14), 27.

Looks at the introduction of economic protectionism by the United States government in an attempt to impose penalties on foreign goods entering the United States. How this will ensure the security of jobs for American citizens; Patrick Buchanan republican presidential candidate views on foreign trade; How protectionism led to the controversy surrounding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); How free trade occurs.

Stirring things up.(2006). Geographical (Campion Interactive Publishing), 78(12), 108-108.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an October 2006 report on the dispute between Starbucks and the Ethiopian government regarding fair trade coffee.

Tasker, J. (2006). Fair trade not fear trade. Farmers Weekly, 144(11), 32-33.

The article discusses the importance of the Fairtrade concept to British farmers. It highlights the Fairtrade Fortnight party held in Lancashire, England on March 19, 2006. There are about 500,000 farmers and farmworkers in 58 developing countries who are selling produce for premium prices under the Fairtrade logo. The Fairtrade Foundation aims to support the interest of farmers in the developing countries and plans to expand its remit. INSETS: Michael Marriage;Kasinthula Cane Growers' Association.

The miracle of trade.(1996). Economist, 338(7950), 61-62.

Examines the economic fallacy that an unproductive economy may be harmed by free trade. Discussion on the principle of comparative advantage forwarded by Adam Smith; Specialization of each country at making certain goods; Margin of superiority due to comparative advantage; Impact of international competition; Assumption about technology; Description of an example of free and fair trade. INSET: Reality calling.

Tremblay, J. (2008). Free trade or fair trade

The author reflects on the impact of fair trade as a slogan used by protectionists to block international free trade. He said that fair trade is unfair for chemical companies in North America and Western Europe that compete against firms in China that do not spend much to ensure clean and safe production. He suggests that manufacturers in China should certify that they abide by environmental and labor standards similar to those in the countries that they export.

Valor, C. (2006). What if all trade was fair trade? the potential of a social clause to achieve the goals of fair trade. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 14(3), 263.

This paper focuses on one of the strategies proposed in the name of "fair trade": the inclusion of social clauses in trade agreements. Although the social clauses could cover any non-economic aspect of trade exchanges, such as environment, they are more commonly used to protect labour rights. Although examined in other disciplines, this issue is still elusive for marketers, despite its implications for this discipline. This paper attempts to answer the question: Will the inclusion of a social clause in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements help to achieve the objective of fair trade? After analysing the possibility and the effectiveness of such a social clause and examining whether the objectives attached to the social clause are coherent with those of the fair trade movement, the conclusion follows that only to some extent will the inclusion of a social clause in trade agreements help to achieve the goals of the Fair Trade movement. Since it does not aim at altering 'unjust' trade structures but 'unfair' labour practices, the social clause should be better understood as an improvement of existing Ethical Trade initiatives.  (Valor, 2006)

Wallace, H. (2009). Fair trade coffee. Mother Jones, 34(2), 83-83.

This article discusses the economic transactions that take place in the acquisition of fair trade coffee. The design of fair trade policies, which set prices at a premium on the market price while maintaining a minimum price, is described. Anthony Marek from the organization TransFair comments on the inadequacies of standard fair trade pricing schemes (Wallace, 2009)

For more information: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2009/02/consumer-retorts-fair-trade-coffee

Weber, J. (2007). Fair trade coffee enthusiasts should confront reality. CATO Journal, 27(1), 109-117.

The article discusses the issues that are plaguing the Free Trade coffee system. These issues are the disconnection between promotional materials and reality, and the marginalization of economically disadvantaged producers and groups. People are buying Free Trade coffee certified by the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International because of the assumption that such purchases will contribute to the welfare of marginalized producers in the developing world.