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Free
trade is a novel idea, but is it fair? Fair Trade
is a concept most coffee drinkers are familiar
with, but not the mainstream public- at least
not yet. Fair trade concepts attempt to level
the playing field of production mechanisms worldwide,
via a relative look for a commitment to social
justice. Organizations, such as the Fair Trade
Federation (FTF) certify companies for abiding
by parameters, including: paying a fair wage in
the local context, offering employees opportunities
for advancement, providing equal employment opportunities
for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged,
engaging in environmentally sustainable practices,
being open to public accountability, building
long-term trade relationships, providing healthy
and safe working conditions within the local context,
providing financial and technical assistance to
producers whenever possible.
Organizers
hope that eventually there will be an authoritative
body similar to "organic" certification
that can be expressed through labeling. That
way the consumer has knowledge of the production
practices regarding the respective product.
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