Fair trade stands in diametrical opposition to free trade.
Under free trade prices to farmers and producers are driven as low as
possible, often with the aid of the International Monetary Fund’s structural
adjustment programs. This has exacerbated widespread poverty with sweatshops
and child labour in developing nations. Under fair trade farmers and
local producers receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and earn more if
prices rise. This allows for a more economically and environmentally sustainable
system of production and helps to lift local workers, farmers, and their
families out of poverty.
Transfair at www.Transfair.ca is the certifying body
for fair trade goods in Canada. Its label on coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar,
fruit, cereals, and other food products as well as sports balls guarantees fair
trade production. Look for this logo on Fair Trade Certified products to ensure
that farmers and workers in developing countries have been paid a fair price.
[place TransFair logo here]
Each May during fair trade weeks The Edmonton Small Press
Association (ESPA) www.edmontonsmallpress.org
and Oxfam host a Fair Trade Fair Day with fair trade goods
and films.
Edmonton Fair Trade stores
include:
Earth’s General Store 10832
Whyte Ave. (upstairs) www.earthsgeneralstore.ca
Ten Thousand Villages 10432 Whyte Ave. www.tenthousandvillages.com
e-mail
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