benefits of 'fair trade'?

[helpmetoo]

cant for the life of me understand the overall benefit of this new idea,

why pay a bad producer more?, it hardly encourages them to work hard and effectively in order to produce better product that will give a better return,

if i make a rubbish product i would not expect to sell it for a top price,

it aint business and eventually it will drive quality down and down............ hey im getting more dosh now for producing the same old tut, why bother improving, i could now be even lazier and no worse off!

[sandmaster]

The idea is good - but I would like to know the margins supermarkets earn on these products compared to "non fair trade" items. Call me cynical but I think the idea is being used to raise profits of the retailers.

[EverClean]

In terms of 'food miles' I think in general FairTrade is a terrible idea. If the product is sourced closer to home then there will enivitably be a lower price. To pay for a higher shipping cost, increase in pollution and then pay a premium for a FairTrade logo is not the way forward.

[rescuer]

I never buy so called 'fairtrade' products. I believe we should be supporting home industries. I doubt that the 'fairtrade' producers truly appreciate people buying from them.
This country already sends �35billion each year to Africa.
Meanwhile people here in need of medicines are not allowed them and we need more doctors and hospitals.

[helpmetoo]

i dont but fairtrade products purely on the basis of perceived lack of quality,

e.g. if the 'man from delmonte say no' then so do i

[jedimistress]

It's not a new idea, it's just become fashionable and a supermarket product. Previously to be found in your local health food shops.