On Dec 4 2006, Rishab Aiyer Ghosh wrote:
i wonder if the positive spin on the effect on downstream suppliers is true - though, in theory, that is what should happen (below)
cutting out intermediary traders should enable both sides to make a better deal - in theory. in practise, however, negotiation power tends to accumulate at the side of the supermarket chains. tesco is only one of the most notorious examples of forcing down unsustainable prices to farmers. i think consumer awareness of unfairity might be the best way to force middlemen (including supermarkets) to provide a fair deal.
fairness as an added value. some ngos are quite sucessful with that (e.g. http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/)
--bernhard
