Fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade based on a partnership between producers and
traders, businesses and consumers. The concept of ethical trading was established slowly from the late 1980s in
order to give a decent deal to producers in the developing world of basic commodities such as coffee, sugar, and
cocoa at a time when they were faced with a global crash in commodity prices. Organizations, like the
International Fairtrade system - made up of Fairtrade International and its member organizations - representing
the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade system, are involved in Fairtrade guarantee that farmers are
paid a minimum price that is enough to cover production costs of basic commodities whatever world prices may
be at the time. When farmers can sell on Fairtrade terms, it provides them with a better deal and improved terms
of trade. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future. Fairtrade offers
consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their every day shopping.
From a slow start, Fairtrade business has really taken off and product sales rose 40% in 2005 alone to a
figure of $295 million. Although this is still only 0.1% of world trade, the trend is upward and this indicates that
people are beginning to take social and environmental issues into consideration when buying products. Fairtrade
labeled products are stocked not just in specialist stores but they also can be found in many large supermarkets.
According to principles of Fairtrade, workers’ rights and environmental protection must be taken into
consideration. Other ethical issues to be resolved are the exploitation of migrant workers and cheap labor.
However, fundamental to the trading is how goods are produced and how they are sold. It is hoped that through
fair trading, the benefits of free trade are brought into the hands of the people who really need it most. 【題組】14. Which word is closest in meaning to “ethical” in paragraph 1?
(A) Ruthless. (B) Aesthetic.
(C) Organic. (D) Moral.