We get asked a lot about Fair Trade Certified® products.? While we carry many products that carry that certification, it is a system that is imperfect.? We have heard growers from India, Sri Lanka, and Africa complain that the extra cost for Fair Trade products does not reach them.? Others contend that it is better than nothing and does help the many people involved in the tea harvesting.? In fact, the is a recent article in a New Zealand newspaper that highlights the complexity of this issue.
? We will continue to carry these products but we also work with suppliers and actually speak to growers as to its usefulness.
The Fair Trade Federation is making an excellent attempt to improve conditions for third world farmers. Like so many problems we face in today’s world there are many factors that lead to the farmers’ problems, and therefore there are many answers. To purchase only Fair Trade certified items therefore does not support the efforts of other farmers around the world who are also trying to make a difference, and for whatever reason are not certified by this single organization. I absolutely agree that there are many issues facing these farmers that need to be addressed, but because each issue is different each issue has a different solution. Thank you for allowing the potential of multiple solutions.
Comment by Rob — May 4, 2008 @ 12:13 pm