Friday, March 30, 2007
How Fair is Fair Trade?
I thought it was time for a new post, so I thought I'd share something I came across this morning in the New Scientist newsletter. They have a journalist exploring his global footprint, and this weeks article is focussed on the fairness of fair trade coffee. I figured we need some more action on this blog, so I've put it up. Any thoughts?
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“So you buy our coffee for $1.46, and sell it for $12. Is that fair trade?” Good question."
I guess it begs the question in regards to where the other money is going to. My guess, well the retailer margin would be pretty high (guessing its a supermarket chain he buys his coffee?), but then again retailers pay wages for a multitude of levels also, but also have a large fat pocket for their profits. There are also the people that work for the coffee company that move the product from Africa to the country of sale, that process it, pack it etc. I guess there are a lot of people that make a pack of coffee, so thats where the extra dollars come from? I honestly dont know. All I know is that its hard to find a free trade latte (cmon' nescafe your latte sachets taste so good, how come we cant do a free trade?)
I like paying more for coffee if it helps out someone. I dont mind paying more for anything if it helps out someone who is less lucky than myself.
I feel we were truely ripped with bananas last year thanks to retailers pulling out their cold stored bananas and charging $15kg whereas Queenslanders were paying $3 at the same time for fresh beauties.
I guess in my conclusion I am pointing my finger to retailers for ripping off farmers and consumers? Having worked for one of the biggest in the country for 13 years, I think its probably true!
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