Fairtrade - Misleading conscience consumers or making a difference?

For a more balanced view, we urge you to:

1. Read The Canadian Fair Trade Network's response to the SOAS report.
2. Watch the CTV Ottawa interview with Marika, Escaravage, Communications and Community Relations Specialist with Fairtrade Canada.
3. Read "Unpeeling the Impacts of Poverty" by Harriet Lamb CEO of Fairtrade International in Bonn, Germany who highlights some third party research
   

The report entitled "Fair Trade, Employment & Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia and Uganda, published by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at London University has reached media headlines globally and also here in Canada with The Globe and Mail. Why? The report states that "This research was unable to find any evidence that Fairtrade has made a positive difference to the wages and working conditions of those employed in the production of the commodities produced for Fairtrade certified export in the areas where the research has been conducted."

Section 4.2 of the report, starting at page 121 outlines the Recommendations based on its findings and makes for enlightening reading.