December 2009

Editorial

The Fair Trade Miracle... How Did It Happen?

By Jeff Moore

In the face of the universal gospel of “free trade”, it was heresy. Yet it took hold and now that the global economy is in shambles, it stands as a potential model for doing business differently, globally and locally.

Or does it?

It started as a simple proposal in the late 80’s. At the height of “free trade” frenzy, aimed at breaking down all obstacles and obligations, political, social and environmental for international trade.

Viña de la Solidaridad

Cueillette de raisin en Argentine par Éric St-Pierre

In 2005, ten landowners and nine contratistas joined together to form Viña de la Solidaridad, a non-profit, democratic association of wine grape growers in Argentina. The members of this new venture sought not only to improve their working conditions, but also to preserve the historically prosperous relationship between contratistas and landowners that has shaped the cultural heritage of Argentinian wine to this day.

Hot Spiced (Mulled) Wine

Mulled Wine This holiday favourite uses strips of organic lemon and Fair Trade orange zest. It's the perfect welcome for guests after a wintery adventure.

Simmered briefly, it retains its full flavour and freshness.

Serves: 6
Preparation: 20mins

Fairtrade Fights Banana Price War

Bonn, 27 October 2009: Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) is raising the Fairtrade minimum price for bananas to its highest level to date despite downward spiraling supermarket prices. FLO considers the move necessary to satisfy producer needs in the face of rising costs of production.