Great suggestions, thanks Scott. If I had to answ...

2010-08-13T08:12:11.895-04:00

Great suggestions, thanks Scott. If I had to answer quickly right now I'd say:

1) Fair Trade needs to embrace a broader view of itself beyond the important but narrow concern of helping economically poor people get market access, promote community development. It needs to claim a platform of transforming our understanding of the roles of consumers, businesses, and producers in the marketplace.
2) Some would argue the standards have already been diluted, as Fair Trade Sports has definitely grappled with given concerns that "minimum" wages and prices in the FT system are not adequate for a decent standard of living. What we need is to establish the highest bars, reward organizations that meet those standards, all the while recognizing that "one size cannot fit all" circumstances.
3. Pithy response that actually reflects what I have heard from a leading Fair Trade certifer: competition is good in a market based system.

And I will give these more good thought!

If I was a journalist and not an industry insider,...

2010-08-12T15:54:50.975-04:00

If I was a journalist and not an industry insider, I would ask questions like these:

1. What is it going to take for you all to get Fair Trade to the tipping point, to move from fringe to mainstream?

2. Other standards have been diluted as they've gone mainstream, to the point where splinter fringe groups have appeared in response (e.g. USDA organic versus "beyond organic" groups); how are you going to avoid that with Fair Trade?

3. Why would everyday citizens need more than one Fair Trade certification logo (organization)?

Comments on Fair Trade Beginners and More: Taking a "Fresh Look" at Fair Trade with Tough Que...

Great suggestions, thanks Scott. If I had to answ...

If I was a journalist and not an industry insider,...