Fair trade was noticeably abuzz in the news on public radio today in Chicago. This morning I heard a brief discussion in response to the decision made recently by two large chocolate companies, Cadbury and Mars, to go fair trade. Both companies have announced that they will include labor and environmental standards in their sourcing guidelines or establish fair trade criteria in their codes of conduct. The report also led to a discussion on the status of the fair trade movement worldwide. Although growing, as evidenced by these announcements, fair trade product purchases still represent a very small percentage of overall global trade or consumerism worldwide (perhaps .5% of food/product sales in the UK).
Then later, I was listening to one of my favorite public radio programs, WBEZ's Worldview. There was a good interview on the status of free trade vs. fair trade in the context of current debates about a free trade agreement with Colombia in Canada. There was discussion about a growing number of fair trade deals being negotiated in different countries. These generally include attention to labor and environmental standards and social improvements as a result of trade. The interview also discusses the human rights situation in Colombia, which is an important element of this debate given the startling number of trade unionists killed in Colombia in recent years.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Take a Fair Trade Coffee Break
Saturday, May 9th is World Fair Trade Day and I will be joining tens of thousands of Fair Trade supporters in celebrating by making a small commitment to enjoy one or more Fair Trade products at home with family and friends. World Fair Trade Day is an international celebration of all things Fair Trade, whether it's the Fair Trade Certified products you enjoy at the supermarket or Fair Trade handicrafts from artisans around the world.
When we support Fair Trade, we not only support the people who make the items we consume and enjoy, we also support the environment, women's rights, children's education, cultural dignity and peace building. That's a powerful thing to do by choosing Fair Trade products!
Please join me in choosing Fair Trade and helping to set the record for World's Largest Fair Trade Break this May by enjoying a simple action at home in celebration of World Fair Trade Day.
Whether it's with a cup of Fair Trade Certified coffee with your morning paper, a gift from Fair Trade artisans or a bouquet of Fair Trade Certified flowers for a loved one this Mother's Day, please join me in choosing Fair Trade.
Just click here to make your pledge and help us reach 55,000 for Fair Trade on World Fair Trade Day 2009!
Friday, April 10, 2009
New Commerce Secretary: A Supporter of Fair Trade?
From Yahoo! News:
Obama trade pick vows 'fair trade' push
WASHINGTON (AFP) – US commerce secretary nominee Gary Locke, the first ever Chinese-American US governor, vowed Wednesday to pursue "fair trade" with countries like China and South Korea if confirmed to the post.
But he sidestepped a lawmaker's call for "a brawl" with Beijing on currency and trade issues and an invitation to criticize a US-South Korea free trade deal that one senator said was digging an ever-wider trade deficit.
Locke, whose nomination requires Senate confirmation, promised the Senate's commerce committee he would fight to protect US intellectual property rights and vigorously enforce the rules of existing US trade pacts.
"More than free trade, though, I believe in fair trade," he said in the confirmation hearing.
"That means we must enforce our trade agreement and place a high value on environmental, labor and safety standards," he said, warning that failure to do so was "putting American workers at a competitive disadvantage."
If confirmed, Locke would run a giant agency tasked with enforcing US trade laws, but also managing the transition to digital television later this year as well as the 2010 population census that will decide the states' share in federal monies as well as their representation in the US Congress.
Senators repeatedly quizzed him on those subjects as well as on thorny trade issues, including the commercial relationships with China, Colombia, Mexico and South Korea and concerns about protecting intellectual property rights.
More...
And From the Wall Street Journal:
MARCH 30, 2009, 6:07 P.M. ET
Locke Vows to Push for 'Fair Trade'
By AMY SCHATZ
WASHINGTON -- Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in an interview that he will push for "fair trade" and said countries seeking open trade with the U.S. should abide by "minimum standards" for environmental and safety regulations.
"I've always believed in fair trade. I believe it's appropriate that there's minimum standards that other countries should abide by if we're allowing their products to come in to the United States," Mr. Locke said during an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
"If the apple growers of Washington State have to abide by all these environmental and health and human safety standards and the workers of other countries don't have to, it puts Washington State apples at a disadvantage," said Mr. Locke, a former governor of Washington State. "Same thing with Boeing airplanes. If other countries are able to significantly subsidize the cost of development and production of an airplane then it puts Boeing at a competitive disadvantage and it hurts the aerospace workers of America."
Mr. Locke's comments, during an interview on his first day on the job, echo the sentiments of many congressional Democrats and U.S. unions skeptical of the benefits of free trade. They have called on the administration to curb access to the U.S. markets for countries with less stringent environmental and labor safety rules.
Congress recently cited safety concerns as the justification for blocking access for Mexican trucks on U.S. highways outside a border zone. The Mexican government retaliated by slapping tariffs on about $2.4 billion worth of U.S. products ranging from grapes to toiletries. President Barack Obama is trying to defuse the conflict.
More...
NPR interview, "Commerce Secretary Sounds Off On Trade, Census"
Listen
Obama trade pick vows 'fair trade' push
WASHINGTON (AFP) – US commerce secretary nominee Gary Locke, the first ever Chinese-American US governor, vowed Wednesday to pursue "fair trade" with countries like China and South Korea if confirmed to the post.
But he sidestepped a lawmaker's call for "a brawl" with Beijing on currency and trade issues and an invitation to criticize a US-South Korea free trade deal that one senator said was digging an ever-wider trade deficit.
Locke, whose nomination requires Senate confirmation, promised the Senate's commerce committee he would fight to protect US intellectual property rights and vigorously enforce the rules of existing US trade pacts.
"More than free trade, though, I believe in fair trade," he said in the confirmation hearing.
"That means we must enforce our trade agreement and place a high value on environmental, labor and safety standards," he said, warning that failure to do so was "putting American workers at a competitive disadvantage."
If confirmed, Locke would run a giant agency tasked with enforcing US trade laws, but also managing the transition to digital television later this year as well as the 2010 population census that will decide the states' share in federal monies as well as their representation in the US Congress.
Senators repeatedly quizzed him on those subjects as well as on thorny trade issues, including the commercial relationships with China, Colombia, Mexico and South Korea and concerns about protecting intellectual property rights.
More...
And From the Wall Street Journal:
MARCH 30, 2009, 6:07 P.M. ET
Locke Vows to Push for 'Fair Trade'
By AMY SCHATZ
WASHINGTON -- Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in an interview that he will push for "fair trade" and said countries seeking open trade with the U.S. should abide by "minimum standards" for environmental and safety regulations.
"I've always believed in fair trade. I believe it's appropriate that there's minimum standards that other countries should abide by if we're allowing their products to come in to the United States," Mr. Locke said during an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
"If the apple growers of Washington State have to abide by all these environmental and health and human safety standards and the workers of other countries don't have to, it puts Washington State apples at a disadvantage," said Mr. Locke, a former governor of Washington State. "Same thing with Boeing airplanes. If other countries are able to significantly subsidize the cost of development and production of an airplane then it puts Boeing at a competitive disadvantage and it hurts the aerospace workers of America."
Mr. Locke's comments, during an interview on his first day on the job, echo the sentiments of many congressional Democrats and U.S. unions skeptical of the benefits of free trade. They have called on the administration to curb access to the U.S. markets for countries with less stringent environmental and labor safety rules.
Congress recently cited safety concerns as the justification for blocking access for Mexican trucks on U.S. highways outside a border zone. The Mexican government retaliated by slapping tariffs on about $2.4 billion worth of U.S. products ranging from grapes to toiletries. President Barack Obama is trying to defuse the conflict.
More...
NPR interview, "Commerce Secretary Sounds Off On Trade, Census"
Listen
Celebrate World Fair Trade Day in Daley Plaza, 5/4
World Fair Trade Day 2009 is a salute to the people and organizations who have dedicated themselves to making Fair Trade what it is today, a solution not an issue. Fair Trade is not just about poverty, it's a solution to poverty, Fair Trade is not just about climate change, it's a solution to environmental degradation and bad practice. Fair Trade is not just about protest, it's about change. Change that’s long overdue.
It’s a Big Day for the Planet. Unite with millions of people and be the powerful voice of positive change. Tell the world you want an end to poverty, an end to climate change and the beginning of sustainable living. World Fair Trade Day is your global stage.
The official World Fair Trade Day is Saturday, May 9th but Chicago Fair Trade will be in Daley Plaza Monday, May 4th! The emcee will be Jerome McDonnell of Chicago Public Radio's World View. Stop by the plaza between 10am and 6pm to celebrate, learn more about fair trade, and purchase fair trade products!
Read last year's press release.
Fair Trade booths will include:
Mata Traders
Rangi Mingi Gallery
Divine Chocolate
GreenHeart
Malia Designs
Third World Shoppe of Ft Wayne Friends
Market Place of India
Maya Works
Five Accessories
Happy Talk Products
Sweet Beginnings
Kiichpan
Woman Craft
The Fair Trader
Kallari Foundation
AFSC Olive Oil Project
World Shoppe
CFT GlobalFest, May 14
All are invited to Chicago Fair Trade's annual benefit, Globalfest. This year's benefit will honor the organization's partnerships in Latin America.
Featuring Peruvian Fair Trade producers
and a presentation of the first annual Chicago Fair Trade Changemaker Award
Thursday, May 14, 5:30-9 PM
Zapatista Restaurant
1307 S. Wabash Ave.
Become a member of Chicago Fair Trade. Support efforts to build the movement for fair trade in the Chicagoland area and make Chicago a Fair Trade City.
Join CFT on Facebook.
Loyola University Chicago is a member organization of Chicago Fair Trade and a sponsor of this year's Globalfest benefit.
Chicago Fair Trade works to reduce global poverty by increasing support for fair trade through education, advocacy and consumer campaigns.
Friday, September 26, 2008
October is Fair Trade Month
Fair Trade is highlighted in the U.S. during the month of October. For those in the Chicago area, Chicago Fair Trade will be organizing a variety of events and activities to promote fair trade during the month.
Here is a calendar of upcoming events sponsored by CFT during Fair Trade Month:
October 5-7: Coffee producer tour with Rigoberto Contreras Diaz
Co-organized with Catholic Relief Services Midwest with a focus on outreach to Chicago's Latino community. Schedule to be confirmed, but meetings are likely to take place at St. Pius church, with business leaders, with Erie House and Home Town Associations in Pilsen.
October 20: CFT member meeting at Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn
Help organize and mobilize the campaign to make Chicago a Fair Trade City.
October 21: Green Drinks Panel on Making Chicago a Fair Trade City at Jefferson Tap, 325 N. Jefferson, 5:30-8:30 PM
October 22: Screening of "The Fair Trade" film at Loyola University Chicago
Here is a calendar of upcoming events sponsored by CFT during Fair Trade Month:
October 5-7: Coffee producer tour with Rigoberto Contreras Diaz
Co-organized with Catholic Relief Services Midwest with a focus on outreach to Chicago's Latino community. Schedule to be confirmed, but meetings are likely to take place at St. Pius church, with business leaders, with Erie House and Home Town Associations in Pilsen.
October 20: CFT member meeting at Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn
Help organize and mobilize the campaign to make Chicago a Fair Trade City.
October 21: Green Drinks Panel on Making Chicago a Fair Trade City at Jefferson Tap, 325 N. Jefferson, 5:30-8:30 PM
October 22: Screening of "The Fair Trade" film at Loyola University Chicago
Fair Trade Fiesta at the Funky Buddha Lounge
Join Chicago Fair Trade at the Funky Buddha Lounge to support our Chicago Marathon Runners and to raise funds for Fair Trade, a market-based system that guarantees producers a living wage and uses environmentally sound practices, supporting human dignity, empowerment, and lasting change. Our marathon runners are raising money to support fair trade outreach her in Chicago and development projects on three continents.
Friday, September 26, 2008
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Funky Buddha Lounge
728 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL
Donate to Nadim and Andrea online at www.chicagofairtrade.org
Space is limited.
Buy advance tickets @ www.chicagofairtrade.org
Appetizers, Raffle, Music & Dancing
All you drink organic beer and wine
Entry: $35 donation per person
More info: 312-212-1760 or njones@chicagofairtrade.org
Debate viewing will be available at this event.
Friday, September 26, 2008
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Funky Buddha Lounge
728 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL
Donate to Nadim and Andrea online at www.chicagofairtrade.org
Space is limited.
Buy advance tickets @ www.chicagofairtrade.org
Appetizers, Raffle, Music & Dancing
All you drink organic beer and wine
Entry: $35 donation per person
More info: 312-212-1760 or njones@chicagofairtrade.org
Debate viewing will be available at this event.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Fair Trade Movie
I just heard about this new fair trade documentary recently about one person's journey of awareness (in more ways than one) with the trade justice movement.
From the website: "The Fair Trade movie is an innovative documentary film by Burning Heart Productions director Lauralee Farrer recounting the story of successful fair trade entrepreneur Tamara Johnston. Johnston, devastated by the tragic death of her fiancé, makes a bargain with God to postpone suicide in exchange for a meaningful life. She quits her job at Dreamworks, her twin sister Shelby quits her job teaching art history at California State University at Los Angeles, and brother-in-law Steven quits his job at JPL in order to spend their days making soap for their start up fair trade skincare company Anti-Body. Johnston becomes an activist for human rights and social justice causes, but despair over her loss remains unabated for several years. As she nears the deadline of her bargain, a trip to Kenya for Heifer International allows her to visit the fair trade co-op in Togo, Africa, from which Anti-Body buys its organic shea butter. There, she finds a surprising answer to what is required of her in exchange for a sustainable life."
Other recent films on fair trade:
Black Gold
The Price of Sugar
Good educational resource on fair trade:
Coffee, Corn and the Cost of Globalization by the Mennonite Central Committee
From the website: "The Fair Trade movie is an innovative documentary film by Burning Heart Productions director Lauralee Farrer recounting the story of successful fair trade entrepreneur Tamara Johnston. Johnston, devastated by the tragic death of her fiancé, makes a bargain with God to postpone suicide in exchange for a meaningful life. She quits her job at Dreamworks, her twin sister Shelby quits her job teaching art history at California State University at Los Angeles, and brother-in-law Steven quits his job at JPL in order to spend their days making soap for their start up fair trade skincare company Anti-Body. Johnston becomes an activist for human rights and social justice causes, but despair over her loss remains unabated for several years. As she nears the deadline of her bargain, a trip to Kenya for Heifer International allows her to visit the fair trade co-op in Togo, Africa, from which Anti-Body buys its organic shea butter. There, she finds a surprising answer to what is required of her in exchange for a sustainable life."
Other recent films on fair trade:
Black Gold
The Price of Sugar
Good educational resource on fair trade:
Coffee, Corn and the Cost of Globalization by the Mennonite Central Committee
Run the Chicago Marathon and support fair trade
Join the Chicago Fair Trade marathon team and run on behalf of farmers and artisans overseas.
Chicago Fair Trade is one of many charities participating in the Chicago marathon's official charity program.
Please NOTE: At this stage, runners must already be registered to participate in the marathon; if you know anyone running the marathon who is not yet participating in the charity program... please spread the word!!! The Chicago marathon is October 10.
Run the marathon with Chicago Fair Trade (CFT) and support the following development projects in Uganda and Guatemala through CFT's Faces of Fair Trade iniative:
Mirembe Kawomera (Delicious Peace) Coffee Cooperative, Uganda:
Funds raised through the marathon will support the improvement and expansion of the cooperative's small school. Mirembe Kawomera is an interfaith coffee cooperative in Uganda with Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic Christian members.
MayaWorks Literacy Program: http://www.mayaworks.org/
MayaWorks supports women and men striving to improve their lives despite obstacles such as grinding poverty and illiteracy. MayaWorks groups are organized in many Guatemalan villages because of the considerable strengths of Mayan women, their traditional weaving capabilities, their desire to learn modern business practices, and their determination to benefit their families and communities. Mayaworks pursues global partnerships with these communities through the promotion and purchase of colorful, attractive, affordable products of the Mayan artisans.
Fair Trade offers the possibility for building stable communities through sustainable development. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty!
Are you registered for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon October 10th??? ( Marathon registration is closed now but still time to join our team.) Whether you are a first time marathoner or have experience, Chicago Fair Trade offers a training program through its partnership with CARA that will help you meet your goals!
Chicago Fair Trade participants raise money to benefit both producers in other countries and local educational work. In exchange for their fundraising efforts.
Participants commit to a Fundraising minimum: $750
Team members each commit to raising funds to support CFT's work to educate and promote fair trade as well as supporting global producers. In addition to making a difference in reducing global poverty, runners will receive:
Membership in Chicago Fair Trade!
Chicago Area Runner's Association! (CARA) marathon training program:
Super Clinic with expert speakers geared toward your level of marathon experience
17 weekend group training runs at a variety of paces and locations
Reduced entry to CARA’s Ready to Run 20 Miler on September 21st
Mid-week group runs to keep your running on track
Free weekly speed workouts for participants who are experienced marathoners
A special discount to all participants in CARA’s 2008 Spring Half Marathon Training
Great Nike tech shirts for the first 3,000 participants
A subscription to Running Times magazine to motivate you
24-hour injury prevention hotline provided by NovaCare Rehabilitation Center
Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon for first time participants
Participant Information Guide with training schedules, times, dates, locations, contacts and other details.
Discounted admission to the 27th Mile Party on October 17th
Exclusive access to CARA tent on Race Day which includes gear check, port-o-potties, massage therapy, food, water, Gatorade, Goose Island beer!
Weekly e-mail messages with tips on training
Pre race party at the Funky Buddha lounge.
The satisfaction that you are helping to reduce global poverty!
TAKE THESE STEPS
Register for our team: Fill out the registration form and send to fairtraderunner@gmail.com
Questions? email or call 312-212-1760.
Fill out the registration form online.
Chicago Fair Trade is one of many charities participating in the Chicago marathon's official charity program.
Please NOTE: At this stage, runners must already be registered to participate in the marathon; if you know anyone running the marathon who is not yet participating in the charity program... please spread the word!!! The Chicago marathon is October 10.
Run the marathon with Chicago Fair Trade (CFT) and support the following development projects in Uganda and Guatemala through CFT's Faces of Fair Trade iniative:
Mirembe Kawomera (Delicious Peace) Coffee Cooperative, Uganda:
Funds raised through the marathon will support the improvement and expansion of the cooperative's small school. Mirembe Kawomera is an interfaith coffee cooperative in Uganda with Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic Christian members.
MayaWorks Literacy Program: http://www.mayaworks.org/
MayaWorks supports women and men striving to improve their lives despite obstacles such as grinding poverty and illiteracy. MayaWorks groups are organized in many Guatemalan villages because of the considerable strengths of Mayan women, their traditional weaving capabilities, their desire to learn modern business practices, and their determination to benefit their families and communities. Mayaworks pursues global partnerships with these communities through the promotion and purchase of colorful, attractive, affordable products of the Mayan artisans.
Fair Trade offers the possibility for building stable communities through sustainable development. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty!
Are you registered for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon October 10th??? ( Marathon registration is closed now but still time to join our team.) Whether you are a first time marathoner or have experience, Chicago Fair Trade offers a training program through its partnership with CARA that will help you meet your goals!
Chicago Fair Trade participants raise money to benefit both producers in other countries and local educational work. In exchange for their fundraising efforts.
Participants commit to a Fundraising minimum: $750
Team members each commit to raising funds to support CFT's work to educate and promote fair trade as well as supporting global producers. In addition to making a difference in reducing global poverty, runners will receive:
Membership in Chicago Fair Trade!
Chicago Area Runner's Association! (CARA) marathon training program:
Super Clinic with expert speakers geared toward your level of marathon experience
17 weekend group training runs at a variety of paces and locations
Reduced entry to CARA’s Ready to Run 20 Miler on September 21st
Mid-week group runs to keep your running on track
Free weekly speed workouts for participants who are experienced marathoners
A special discount to all participants in CARA’s 2008 Spring Half Marathon Training
Great Nike tech shirts for the first 3,000 participants
A subscription to Running Times magazine to motivate you
24-hour injury prevention hotline provided by NovaCare Rehabilitation Center
Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon for first time participants
Participant Information Guide with training schedules, times, dates, locations, contacts and other details.
Discounted admission to the 27th Mile Party on October 17th
Exclusive access to CARA tent on Race Day which includes gear check, port-o-potties, massage therapy, food, water, Gatorade, Goose Island beer!
Weekly e-mail messages with tips on training
Pre race party at the Funky Buddha lounge.
The satisfaction that you are helping to reduce global poverty!
TAKE THESE STEPS
Register for our team: Fill out the registration form and send to fairtraderunner@gmail.com
Questions? email or call 312-212-1760.
Fill out the registration form online.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Chicago Sun-Times Comments on Fair Trade
With fair trade, we all come out winners
Chicago Sun-Times Commentary July 7, 2008
You've probably seen the fair-trade labels on products like coffee, tea, chocolate, and on some clothes and crafts.
Now a campaign is under way to make all Chicago a fair-trade city. Organizers with Chicago Fair Trade are calling on the City Council to pass a resolution in support of fair trade and to encourage city departments to buy fair-trade goods.
A handful of exclusively fair-trade stores, about 30 Web-based fair-trade businesses and many other shops and restaurants serve or sell fair-trade products in the Chicago area. But the goal is to encourage the establishment of at least one fair-trade store in each of the city's 76 neighborhoods or, ideally, one per 10,000 residents.
It's a noble idea to support products that are made with minimal harm to the environment, knowing that the workers who picked the coffee beans or the cotton were paid a fair and living wage. More than 200 European cities, including London, and a few in the United States support the fair-trade movement. This includes passing resolutions, local governments purchasing fair-trade products and promoting the growth of fair-trade businesses.
But fair trade should also be about the United States practicing fair-trade policies. The bulk of the government's agricultural subsidies are given for five major crops in the United States -- corn, rice, soybeans, wheat and cotton. The subsidies are allotted on a per-acreage basis that primarily benefits large agribusiness and result in overproduction. The surplus is dumped at cut-rate prices on the world market.
The harm done to farmers in the developing world is staggering.
Consider cotton farmers in West Africa: From 2001 and 2005, they lost $382 million in exports because of America's self-serving agricultural policies -- policies that don't even benefit most small American farmers. Three-quarters of American farmers receive no subsidies because they are not growing these particular crops.
Eliminating U.S. cotton subsidies would increase income for some 10 million Africans by 2.3 percent to 5.7 percent, according to Oxfam. This would dramatically improve the lives of African farmers, who subsist on less than $2 a day. If poor countries could increase their share of exports by just 1 percent, Oxfam projects, some 128 million people would be lifted out of poverty.
The United States already gives Africa billions of dollars in the form of food and medical aid, but adopting strong fair-trade policies would help grow Africa's local economies. It's the old maxim: Give a person a fish and he eats for a day; teach him to fish and he never goes hungry again.
Unfortunately, Congress missed a chance to move toward more reasonable fair trade policies earlier this year when it passed a Farm Bill that included the usual market-distorting agricultural subsidies.
Today, fair-trade cotton from Africa may be found in a dress sold in a fair-trade shop in Chicago, and fair-trade coffee from Latin America is now available in Starbucks, Costco and even Target. As economies become more interconnected around the world, supporting fair trade is one small way Americans can become better global citizens.
WHERE TO BUY FAIR-TRADE PRODUCTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA
Ten Thousand Villages, 719 Main St., Evanston; 121 N. Marion St., Oak Park; 499C Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn; 960 Harris Road, Suite 1B, Grayslake www.tenthousandvil lages.com
The Fair Trader, 1623 E 55th St., Chicago www.thefairtraderchicago.com
Greenheart, 746 N. La Salle, Chicago www.green heartshop.org
To see a complete list of fair-trade cafes, restaurants, vendors and shops in the Chicago area go to:
http://chicagofairtrade.org/shopping
Chicago Sun-Times Commentary July 7, 2008
You've probably seen the fair-trade labels on products like coffee, tea, chocolate, and on some clothes and crafts.
Now a campaign is under way to make all Chicago a fair-trade city. Organizers with Chicago Fair Trade are calling on the City Council to pass a resolution in support of fair trade and to encourage city departments to buy fair-trade goods.
A handful of exclusively fair-trade stores, about 30 Web-based fair-trade businesses and many other shops and restaurants serve or sell fair-trade products in the Chicago area. But the goal is to encourage the establishment of at least one fair-trade store in each of the city's 76 neighborhoods or, ideally, one per 10,000 residents.
It's a noble idea to support products that are made with minimal harm to the environment, knowing that the workers who picked the coffee beans or the cotton were paid a fair and living wage. More than 200 European cities, including London, and a few in the United States support the fair-trade movement. This includes passing resolutions, local governments purchasing fair-trade products and promoting the growth of fair-trade businesses.
But fair trade should also be about the United States practicing fair-trade policies. The bulk of the government's agricultural subsidies are given for five major crops in the United States -- corn, rice, soybeans, wheat and cotton. The subsidies are allotted on a per-acreage basis that primarily benefits large agribusiness and result in overproduction. The surplus is dumped at cut-rate prices on the world market.
The harm done to farmers in the developing world is staggering.
Consider cotton farmers in West Africa: From 2001 and 2005, they lost $382 million in exports because of America's self-serving agricultural policies -- policies that don't even benefit most small American farmers. Three-quarters of American farmers receive no subsidies because they are not growing these particular crops.
Eliminating U.S. cotton subsidies would increase income for some 10 million Africans by 2.3 percent to 5.7 percent, according to Oxfam. This would dramatically improve the lives of African farmers, who subsist on less than $2 a day. If poor countries could increase their share of exports by just 1 percent, Oxfam projects, some 128 million people would be lifted out of poverty.
The United States already gives Africa billions of dollars in the form of food and medical aid, but adopting strong fair-trade policies would help grow Africa's local economies. It's the old maxim: Give a person a fish and he eats for a day; teach him to fish and he never goes hungry again.
Unfortunately, Congress missed a chance to move toward more reasonable fair trade policies earlier this year when it passed a Farm Bill that included the usual market-distorting agricultural subsidies.
Today, fair-trade cotton from Africa may be found in a dress sold in a fair-trade shop in Chicago, and fair-trade coffee from Latin America is now available in Starbucks, Costco and even Target. As economies become more interconnected around the world, supporting fair trade is one small way Americans can become better global citizens.
WHERE TO BUY FAIR-TRADE PRODUCTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA
Ten Thousand Villages, 719 Main St., Evanston; 121 N. Marion St., Oak Park; 499C Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn; 960 Harris Road, Suite 1B, Grayslake www.tenthousandvil lages.com
The Fair Trader, 1623 E 55th St., Chicago www.thefairtraderchicago.com
Greenheart, 746 N. La Salle, Chicago www.green heartshop.org
To see a complete list of fair-trade cafes, restaurants, vendors and shops in the Chicago area go to:
http://chicagofairtrade.org/shopping
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