In Rene’s blogpost, she discussed the point of difference many corporations possess of providing fair trade and ethically sourced products. Carrying fair trade products are often more costly as workers are paid fairly and the facilities are safer. My image of fair trade, however, is reversed after coming across an article on the guardian that brought up the issue a UK government-sponsored study found after investigating the production of flowers, coffee and tea in Ethiopia and Uganda. They revealed that farmers in Fair trade certified markets received very low wages. Although fair trade serves positive purposes, this is not providing equal benefit to all. In addition to low wages, researchers also found evidence of the use of children being paid to work on farms growing produce for Britain’s leading ethical label. I think these corporations are not benefiting themselves by putting on a fake front, as they are corrupting the goal fair trade is promoting which is seeking greater equity. In my opinion, fair trade should be practiced through ethical standpoints, its purpose should not be distorted.
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