Hershey's Chocolate

They could form a union, hire numerous unskilled laborers, train them, and then the price of cocoa increases 300%. Then the new workers, trying to emulate the US go on strike for a 10 minute hot-chocolate break. :conf3:

 

Fair Trade is the most equitable solution.

Fair Trade certifies the cooperatives, educates them in sustainable farming and helps them increase their income by making sure that they are paid a proper price for their products, so they can live a dignified life. TransFair in USA certifies the importers and processors who sell Fair Trade products. The Fair Trade seal on the package ensures that the product you are using is certified and that the farmers are fairly compensated. The Fair Trade organization also carries out many other projects, such as education and health promotion.

http://www.coffee-tea-etc.com/mission

It's a win-win situation all around.

 

KTdid, if nothing else you have inspired me to read up on the subject. I'm trying to figure out if Fair Trade certifications really help the small scale farmers and the articles I've read appear to show mixed results. That's probably to be expected, though. But I AM trying to educate myself!

 

I see that a lot on coffee products.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=wha...59j57j5j0j62l2.17424&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

I did some research too.
http://perc.org/articles/fair-trade-coffee-producers-often-end-poorer

 

Villager, I'm always learning too and trying to become more educated about my buying decisions.

Although Fair Trade goods have been around for quite some time, the meaning behind the words "Fair Trade" is lost to many consumers. I usually see it attached to USDA Certified Organic products but not always, and a Fair Trade product will often cost more than its non-Fair Trade counterpart, unfortunately.

The NRDC (National Resources Defense Council), a highly reputable charity, put together a guide to clarify label meanings and whether there's any substance behind the label or claim, such as "no additives, hormone-free, antibiotic free, pasture raised, etc." The list is the most comprehensive one I've found.

http://www.nrdc.org/living/labels/food.asp

In a earlier post, I referred to Transfair USA. They have officially changed their name to Fair Trade, just so there's no confusion.

 

I read that, too, along with some others. I think Fair Trade has some solid benefits for some but it isn't the full answer - other things should be done as well to promote a long term stability. Of course, the same thing could be said for our American small farmers...

 

It just like anything else. In an attempt to help, actions have unintended consequences. So you need to figure out before you buy in to this stuff, is it really beneficial to anyone other than those that are running the program. There are many of these articles that say the same thing. It is like the Toms shoe thing. Did that help, or hurt the people? How about those people who sold shoes? How about the people who sold things to the shoe sellers? I know it feels good to help but you have to apply critical thinking, not just emotion.

 

I'm not sure that I want to think that hard when I am buying a Valentine's Chocolate.

I wonder what sort of labor went into the manufacturing of the dell computer on which I am typing, or the desk on which it rests, or the paint that adorns my walls, or the insulation within the wall? Or the material of the wall, or the folks that put it up. What about the paper that I print on, or the ink cartridge that I send for recycling?

Candy is low on my list of politically charged items. I probably consume less than $50 / year of the stuff. Maybe think more about your $30000 car or your $500,000 house?

Just some random, caffeine fueled thoughts!

 

Perc is a Koch Industries front group. So much for credibility.

 

There are many such articles and if you understand economics, it makes sense.

 

Mr. Rogers, how do you put a value on human trafficking and slavery? Is human trafficking less offensive for a cup of coffee as opposed to a car or house? Just asking.

 

Serious question... Just because Perc (or any other entity) represents a larger company/corporation, does that mean that their analysis is wrong?

 

No offense, but from where did the materials for your home come? Were they all from sources that don't use slaves or connected to crimes? I don't know and I would hazard a guess that you do, but I don't either. My point was that the economic effect (good or bad) of my purchasing a Hershey Bar is a lot less than buying a BMW.

As Jim Koch of Sam Adams told me when I was in college, "People buy American Beer to keep the money in the country, but then buy a $30,000 (I am dating myself with the price) luxury car from Germany." He went on to say, "Buy the beer that you want to drink, but make your big spends in the States whenever feasible".

 

Where do you get your info KT? I'm sure only totally unbiased sources, right?

 

No offense, but from where did the materials for your home come? Were they all from sources that don't use slaves or connected to crimes? I don't know and I would hazard a guess that you do, but I don't either. My point was that the economic effect (good or bad) of my purchasing a Hershey Bar is a lot less than buying a BMW.

As Jim Koch of Sam Adams told me when I was in college, "People buy American Beer to keep the money in the country, but then buy a $30,000 (I am dating myself with the price) luxury car from Germany." He went on to say, "Buy the beer that you want to drink, but make your big spends in the States whenever feasible".

 

I used to work for Jim Koch (ages ago) Very smart man. Although all the hops in Sam Adams are from Bavaria. But that's what makes the beer so good.