E/B/12. Fair Trade, A Case Study of the Coffee Sector in Mexico

The essay looks at Fair Trade and describes how this attempts to address the poverty issues of small producers through the payment of a 'fair price' for their goods and the provision of support services for producer organisations. The essay pertains that although Fair Trade is overwhelmingly identified with the 'fair price' paid by participating importers and buyers, sketching the possible avenues of impact reveal that many of the effects of Fair Trade on the quality of life of producers are felt through the organisational development supported by Fair Trade organisations. This essay carefully explores how some of the creative problem solving elements can be used to resolve the problems encountered in the Mexican coffee industry.