Framed within the common goal of advancing trade justice and South-North solidarity, The Fair Trade Handbook: Building a Better World, Together presents a broad interpretation of fair trade and a wide-ranging dialogue between different viewpoints. Canadian researchers in particular have advanced a transformative vision of fair trade, rooted in the cooperative movement and arguing for a more central role for Southern farmers and workers. Contributors to this book look at the issues within global trade, and assess fair trade and how to make it more effective against the broader structures of the capitalist, colonialist, racist and patriarchal global economy. The debates and discussions are set within a critical development studies and critical political economy framework. However, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, as it translates the key issues for a popular audience.
Reviews
“This fantastic volume shows just what can be built from a sustained and fruitful partnership between the right kind of entrepreneurs, activists, academics, and community-builders."
"The Fair Trade Handbook immerses its readers in a social movement that is pushing hard for more equitable, participatory, and sustainable development. The editors have expertly weaved together engaging chapters on cross-cutting topics, commodity case studies, diverse geographic regions, and different forms of advocacy. These insightful contributions underscore how change does not simply happen: they emphasize what has been, is, and can be done by the movement that aims to make trade fair."