2008 Woodie Awards
Speakers shed light on fair trade
Daina Havens
Issue date: 10/13/06 Section: News
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Cesar Rivas Pena, coffee La Florida Cooperative General Manager, , spoke to business and accounting students on the topic of fair trade.
According to a Catholic Relief Services brochure, fair trade is explained as "an economic model of international trade that provides a clear and just alternative to the free trade system [that] makes sure farmers receive fair price for their products."
Junior accounting major Annette Donato, a volunteer for a fair trade sale held in Jazzman's café, reflected on how the presentation helped her to put things into perspective of where everything comes from and to think about "who goes through the daily struggle to help us live out lives."
By recognizing the severe need to enforce fair wages and proper money channeling, developed nations are helping fair trade products like coffee, cocoa and hand-made crafts to become more available to average consumers. David Funkhouser, Strategic Outreach Coordinator for TransFair USA, explained that the month of October is designated to fair trade awareness, which lead the organization to bring about five fair trade farmers or producers to speak to different regions of the US this month. This nonprofit organization certifies each fair trade item and guarantees the fair amount of the profit goes to the creator of each item.
CRS Senior Program Adviser for Economic Justice, Michael Sheridan said, "We see institutions like Cabrini as places of great potential and opportunity because of its commitment to justice."
When asked why Americans should care about fair trade, Pena, with the help of a translator, cited two definitive reasons. The first reason stated was to create a better and more just world. Secondly, fair trade products are of great quality and are environmentally responsible.
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