1. Would you be willing to pay a slightly higher price for sugar, coffee, fruits, and basic commodities, knowing that their producers, farmers in Central America or Africa, were paid an internationally established "fair price" for their labors? Do you believe that consumers will make ethical choices in the marketplace, or economic ones?
2. Fair trade is based on the guarantee of a fair price. How is a "fair price" determined? What is the role of independent fair trade organizations in establishing price?
3. Critics suggest that fair trade does not address the root causes of poverty. Some economists argue that low prices for basic commodities, like coffee, result from oversupply. Moreover, fair trade also does not guarantee access to investment or technology. Do you think the fair trade movement can be successful in rooting out poverty?
4. Although fair trade products account for a tiny volume of world trade relative to the total volume, they do focus concern on the plight of poor farmers, farm workers, and producers in agrarian regions. Some of America's largest and best-known retailers are selling fair trade products, including Sam's Club, McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, and many grocery chains. Based on your research and outside reading, what do you think the impact of fair trade programs can be?