The Fair Trade movement seems to have entered a once in 25-year time of tremendous change. As the dominant certification system experiences its first major split since its founding in 1988, producers, businesses, and other advocates continue to debate the direction of Fair Trade, differences between Fair Trade USA and Fairtrade International, and the very essence of Fair Trade. Some of the most relevant, recent online comments to date include:
Mexican Coordinator of Small Fair Trade Producers public statement
Fair Trade USA publicly lists supporters and a letter of support from Coope Tarrazu at FTUSA
The 3 major producer networks at Producer Statements
Merling Preza, President of CLAC, on Coffeelands blog
Jerónimo Pruijn van Engelen, Executive Director of FUNDEPPO/Small Producers´ Symbol, and CLAC Delegate to Fairtrade International’s Standards Committee, at FTRN Webinar 118 (text notes at Webinar 118 insights)
Coffeelands blog posts of Michael Sheridan, Catholic Relief Services, and Bill Fishbein, founder of Coffee Kids
Fair Trade People discussions on LinkedIn
Equal Exchange Small Farmer blog, especially the speech by co-founder and co-president Rink Dickinson
Fair World Project press release
Fair Trade USA CEO Paul Rice on FTRN Webinar 117 (text highlights at Webinar 117 insights)
With the major news that FTUSA is leaving FLO, FTRN is producing a webinar series in October/November for the public to discuss implications and ask questions of FTUSA, FLO and advocates. See details of FTRN webinars.
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