Fair Trade is a global movement which empowers farmers and workers around the world to improve their standard of living, while enabling consumers to make a difference through their everyday purchases (” ‘Fair Trade’ Is a Crock,” PostOpinion, Dalibor Rohac, May 13).
Fair Trade improves lives and protects the environment.
Since 1998, sales of Fair Trade Certified products have delivered over $220 million in additional income, which farmers and workers have chosen to invest in education, health care, better farming techniques and environmental projects.
Fair Trade ensures better working conditions, protection from dangerous agro-chemicals and prohibition of child labor, while empowering farmers and workers to improve their conditions through democratically elected worker groups and transparent business practices.
In response to “Fair Trade Is a Crock,” we must listen to the farmers involved: “Fair Trade has helped us gain control of our business. We are ensured a stable price for our crops, and we can get better prices based on high-quality production,” said George Pirie of AGOGA Coffee Cooperative in Papua, New Guinea. “We are empowered.”
Paul Rice
President & CEO
Fair Trade USA
Oakland, Calif.