Is there such a thing as fair trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Is there such a thing as fair trade - Essay Example There are a number of groups and associations that have expressed the above sentiments and other problems facing the world commodity producers. Such advocates include; Caritas International, Amnesty International and Oxfam. However, despite these firm proponents, there have been some controversies linked to Free trade. Some people assert that free trade is nothing more than a subsidy while others claim that free trade proponents do not possess the ability to transform the trading system the world over. They believe that farmers are facing a situation that is simply beyond control and it will take much more than free trade ideals to change it. 2There were four main fair trade organisations that came up with a definition for Fair trade. These four organisations were known as FINE. They defined fair trade as a form of partnership that aims at instituting equity in trade. The trade referred to by this organisation is global in nature. Additionally, they support workers who have been marginalised and air out their views through fair trade organisations. The latter group offers campaigns and informs workers about their rights. Fair trade is based upon a number of principles; the first one being fair pay. Pay may be labelled fair if it incorporates all the expenses that workers incurred during the process of production. It must also cover environment considerations and labourer's social needs. It must also be on time and should cover their future production needs. Fair trade is also founded on the principle that workers should have the capacity to participate fully in their markets. They should be given the incentives to manage their products well and also to achieve greater flexibility within this realm. On top of these, farmers and other labourers should be handled in an open and transparent manner. No one has the permission to take advantage of their vulnerabilities through hidden dealings. Men and women should be treated as equals regardless of what their social premises may be. Reimbursements must be proportional to the amount of work done rather than to one's gender. According to fair trade advocates , workers should be provided with safe and conducive environments. This implies that children will only be allowed to work if this does not come in the way of their education, ell being, security and growth. Lastly, fair trade discourages the use of environmentally friendly working techniques, for instance, it strongly opposes the [production of genetically modified foods because they harm the environment. 3In the recent past, the FLO International (which sets standards in fair trade) created a labelling system where products can be Certified if the adhere top Fair trade principles. Some of these principles are examined during the process of growing a commodity, harvesting it and even supplying it to the world market. Products that earn the fair trade mark are those ones that do not employ children during child labour.Additionally, they must not involve the use of slave labour of any kind. The certified commodity should also have been produced in an environment that is safe to work in and one that does not undermine labourer's human rights. Its price must also be such that it can facilitate some social problems facing farmers