Although I share David Ransom's concerns regarding the increasing commercialization of the 'fair trade' label (Essay, NI 377), I feel that his example of a year in which global supply is greatly reduced, leading to a lower than market price for fair trade producers, is an entirely counterproductive illustration. Surely it needs to be emphasized that it is always preferable for producers to be assured of a price for their produce that guarantees them a livelihood, rather than gambling on the boom/bust nature of the free market?
Liam Macrae Manchester, England
COPYRIGHT 2005 New Internationalist Magazine
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
