Fair Trade Research Articles

'Uma das coisas que mais agrega valor é o orgânico’ – Novas trajetórias e singularidades no mercado dos produtos orgânicos

As they were regulated and institutionalized, organic products took on new trajectories and meanings with the emergence of a more varied market focusing on specific audiences and new qualification references. In this paper we investigate some of the new meanings and different qualifications organic products have assumed by analyzing their new trajectories and singularities within an increasingly flexible and dynamic market containing wider and more heterogeneous range of actors and distinct products that circulate around the organic concept but are neither rigidly defined by or dependent upon this meaning. Using data from primary and secondary sources on how these products were singularized, we attempt to demonstrate that throughout the process of regulating and institutionalizing organic products, “organic” has not only become commodified but also assumed other overlapping meanings, with this characteristic potentially becoming less central or products even ceasing altogether to be organic. In our analysis we highlight trade fairs that focus on these products, their entry into large food companies and retailers, ultra-processed organic products, and how they approximate other qualification references (such as the concepts of vegan, diet, and light).

Fairness in markets and market experiments: insights from a field‐plus‐lab study and a failed replication

AbstractWe investigate how fairness in a laboratory experiment framed as a market exchange relates to preferences for fair trade products elicited before and at the end of the experiment. We collected two samples, 10 years apart. In the original sample, fairness in the market experiment measured by the willingness to buy at a higher price when higher wages are paid to the worker correlates both with the choice of a fair trade product and with the willingness to pay a positive fair trade premium. These correlations are not significant in the replication experiment, which indicates at best a weak relationship.

Fairness Perceptions, Happiness, and Behavioral Intentions in Trade Fairs: An Investigation from the Relational Model of Justice

ABSTRACT Purpose This research aims to examine how an exhibitor manages its relationship with visitors in trade fairs to achieve desired outcomes. Drawing on the relational (group-value) model of justice, this research argues that visitors’ procedural and distributive fairness perceptions impact their happiness, relationship commitment, and behavioral intentions with exhibitors. Methodology Data comprising 350 business visitors from eight trade fairs related to the electronics, telecommunications, automobiles, apparel, and renewable energy industries were analyzed. Findings The findings show that while procedural fairness perceptions significantly impact visitors’ happiness, distributive fairness perceptions do not have a significant relationship. Happiness leads to a positive relationship between visitors’ commitment and behavioral outcomes. Originality/Value/Contribution This research is one of the earliest attempts to evaluate the role of fairness perceptions and happiness in the context of trade fairs. The results also indicate that small-scale visitors show less concern for procedural fairness than large-scale visitors, but they show a higher tendency for relationship commitment and behavioral intentions than large-scale visitors.

ICOOP puzzle: localistic practices, internationalism values, and Fair Trade in South Korea’s cooperative movement

ABSTRACT This article illuminates an intellectual puzzle of how South Korean cooperative movements attempt to overcome the dilemma between localistic practices and the value of internationalism. Moving beyond anti-capitalistic debates of building links globally, the cooperative movement brings Fair Trade products from developing countries to consumer cooperatives in South Korea, resulting in a scaling up of community economies globally and forging real international solidarity. Engaging with feminist theories put forward by Gibson-Graham and their collaborators, this article calls upon an expanded feminist politics that challenge the “spatial bounding” of community economies that are often joined with localistic practices. Born as one of the most significant forms of community economies to address the economic precarity of grassroots farmers and workers during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, iCOOP was set up as a consumer cooperative federation to support local Korean producers with alternative market linkage. Through Fair Trade movement, iCOOP serves as an interesting case to overcome localistic practices and nurture the value of internationalism. This article develops an expanded feminist politics of community economies to confront the tendency of localistic practices by providing four layers of analysis: value, campaign tactics, new governance structure, and scaling solidarity.

Identifying East Java Trade Interest Through Paradiplomacy Initiatives - Analysis on Actors, Processes and Goals of Diplomacy

This research explores the paradiplomacy activities of the East Java Government's Department of Industry and Trade in improving international trade relations. Through initiatives such as business matching, trade fairs, and foreign trade missions, the government collaborates with trade attachés, ITPCs, and foreign trade representatives to promote Indonesian exports and attract foreign investment. By achieving strong trade performance, East Java has succeeded in attracting investment, increasing export value, and actively contributing to Indonesia's international trade. This study emphasizes the important role of local governments in advancing international trade for regional development and national interests. Through programs such as business matching, foreign trade missions, international exhibitions and market brief webinars. The East Java government uses paradiplomacy to strengthen international trade relations. This research underlines the role of subnational actors in increasing economic growth and Indonesia's foreign trade balance.

Assessing the Economic Impact of Coffee Farming on Rural Communities in Colombia

Purpose: The aim of the study was assessing the economic impact of coffee farming on rural communities in Colombia Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Assessing the economic impact of coffee farming on rural communities in Colombia reveals significant findings. Coffee farming is a major source of employment and a primary contributor to household income in these areas, supporting the economic stability of numerous families. Moreover, the coffee industry’s demand for labor not only boosts local employment rates but also contributes to regional economic development through the generation of export revenues. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Dependency theory, livelihoods approach & dual economy model may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the economic impact of coffee farming on rural communities in Colombia. Implement CBPR methods to involve coffee farmers in the research process, ensuring that their firsthand experiences and insights inform the study. Advocate for policies that support fair trade practices.

유아교사의 유아교육기관 ESG 인식 및 중요도에 따른 교육 요구도 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the educational needs of early childhood educators based on the analysis of their current awareness levels and perceived importance of ESG, utilizing the Borich needs assessment and The Locus for Focus model. Methods For this purpose, a study was conducted with 202 kindergarten teachers in the metropolitan area(Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon) using SPSS 23.0 and Excel programs. Through IPA analysis, we identified areasin need ofimprovement and areasofexcess. We conducted a t-test to examine the difference between the current level and importance of ESG. Additionally, we determined the top priority for educational support by comparing the Borich needs assessment and The Locus for Focus Model. Results The main results are as follows, First, within the IPA framework, HH was categorized into four areas, all of which fall under the “S” domain. HL comprised a total of three areas, with two falling under the “E” domain and one falling under the “G” domain. LL also had a total of three areas, with one falling under each of the “E”, “S”, and “G” domains. LH consisted of four areas, with two categorized under the “E” and “G” domains. Second, The analysis of the difference between the current perception levels and importance of ESG items revealed statistically significant differences in the “E” domain. Specifically, there were significant differences inthe items related to ‘waste recycling in early childhood education institutions,’ ‘implementation of environmental management policies in early childhood education institutions,’ and ‘establishment of environmental performance evaluation systems in early childhood education institutions.’ In the “S” domain, there were statistically significant differences observed for the items related to the establishmentand implementation of policies for employee stability within early childhood education institutions, as well as the establishmentand implementation of fair trade, anti-corruption, and ethical management policies for cooperation with suppliers within early childhood education institutions. Similarly, in the “G” domain, statistically significant differences were found for the items related to ‘public disclosure of management activities’ onthe website of early childhood education institutions and ‘prevention of inappropriate succession methods in early childhood education institutions.’ These differencesindicatethat these items are perceived as more important than the current level of awareness. According to the Borich Needs Assessment, the priority areas were ranked as follows:‘wasterecycling in early childhood education institutions,’ ‘prevention of inappropriate succession methods in early childhood education institutions,’ ‘implementation of environmental management policies in early childhood education institutions,’ ‘public disclosure of the management activities on the early childhood education institution’ swebsite, ‘and’ establishmentand implementation of fair trade, anti-corruption, and ethical management policies for cooperation with suppliers within early childhood education institutions.' Third, According to the analysis of The Locus for Focus model, the HH domain consists of 5 items, including ‘waste recycling in early childhood education institutions,’ ‘implementation of environmental management policies in early childhood education institutions,’ ‘establishment and implementation of policies for employee stability within early childhood education institutions,’ and ‘establishment and implementation of fair trade, anti-corruption, and ethical management policies for cooperation with suppliers within early childhood education institutions,’ as well as ‘prevention of inappropriate succession methods in early childhood education institutions.’ Fourth, The results indicate a common priority for the followingitems

Research on the Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on the Income Gap between Urban and Rural Areas under the Background of National Unified Market

In 2022, the "Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Accelerating the Construction of a National Unified Market" proposed the concept of a "unified market", which can effectively allocate resources to maximize social welfare. A national unified market with fair competition, a competitive venue and mechanism with non-monopoly and fair trading characteristics and functions. Since the reform and opening up, China's economy has achieved sustained high-speed growth, and the goal of high-quality development in the new era has shifted to solving the problem of imbalanced and insufficient development, narrowing the gap between urban and rural regional development, achieving comprehensive human development, and achieving common prosperity for all people. In depth exploration of how to further promote rural revitalization and common prosperity has important practical significance and value. This article conducts theoretical analysis to propose research hypotheses, collects digital inclusive finance index and urban-rural income related data from 2013 to 2022, constructs the Theil index to measure urban-rural income gap, constructs a panel data model, studies the impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural income gap, verifies hypotheses, and concludes that digital inclusive finance should focus on development in the context of a unified national market.

A Deep Learning Method for Log Diameter Measurement Using Wood Images Based on Yolov3 and DeepLabv3+

Wood volume is an important indicator in timber trading, and log diameter is one of the primary parameters used to calculate wood volume. Currently, the most common methods for measuring log diameters are manual measurement or visual estimation by log scalers, which are laborious, time consuming, costly, and error prone owing to the irregular placement of logs and large numbers of roots. Additionally, this approach can easily lead to misrepresentation of data for profit. This study proposes a model for automatic log diameter measurement that is based on deep learning and uses images to address the existing problems. The specific measures to improve the performance and accuracy of log-diameter detection are as follows: (1) A dual network model is constructed combining the Yolov3 algorithm and DeepLabv3+ architecture to adapt to different log-end color states that considers the complexity of log-end faces. (2) AprilTag vision library is added to estimate the camera position during image acquisition to achieve real-time adjustment of the shooting angle and reduce the effect of log-image deformation on the results. (3) The backbone network is replaced with a MobileNetv2 convolutional neural network to migrate the model to mobile devices, which reduces the number of network parameters while maintaining detection accuracy. The training results show that the mean average precision of log-diameter detection reaches 97.28% and the mean intersection over union (mIoU) of log segmentation reaches 92.22%. Comparisons with other measurement models demonstrate that the proposed model is accurate and stable in measuring log diameter under different environments and lighting conditions, with an average accuracy of 96.26%. In the forestry test, the measurement errors for the volume of an entire truckload of logs and a single log diameter are 1.20% and 0.73%, respectively, which are less than the corresponding error requirements specified in the industry standards. These results indicate that the proposed method can provide a viable and cost-effective solution for measuring log diameters and offering the potential to improve the efficiency of log measurement and promote fair trade practices in the lumber industry.

Agroecology: A Promising Path Towards the Sustainable Transition of Food Systems

Objective: Uncover the transformative potential of agroecology in shaping sustainable food systems, with a particular focus on its pivotal role in transitioning from conventional systems to sustainable practices rooted in agroecological principles. Theoretical Framework: The current scenario presents alternatives to industrial agriculture, which prioritizes mass food production for global markets. In this context, agroecology emerges as a beacon of hope, championing short marketing circuits, fair trade, and a deep respect for local culture and the environment. The sharing of agroecological experiences, particularly in the context of family farming, offers a promising path toward agricultural systems that diverge from the traditional industrial model. Method: The systematic review used scientific articles published between 2011 and 2023, selected from the Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases. Results and Discussion: Agroecological production systems present themselves as a viable alternative to industrial agriculture, demonstrating that agroecological principles have the potential to promote healthier and more sustainable agri-food systems. Family farming plays a crucial role in this context, meeting the goals of agroecology. Research Implications: It highlights the promising role of agroecology in promoting family farming by achieving sustainable food production and supporting the demand for healthier foods. Originality/Value: This paper contributes to understanding the relationship between agroecology and agri-food systems, providing insights into agroecological practices, including sustainability in food production.

Virtual and Actual Combination of Memory Reflection: Design Enabling Digital Presentation Path of Cultural Heritage Valve

As an open way for people to share information and pass on heritage's value, based on the variety of the main background and value elements, displaying heritage value has changed from a matter of protecting space and form to a more complicated matter of building social value systems. As an open way for people to share information and pass on cultural heritage's value, based on the variety of the main background and value elements, displaying heritage value has changed from a matter of protecting space and form to a more complicated matter of building social value systems. In order to explore the diversified value of heritage and the way to display design empowerment in the digital age, this study selected the world irrigation project heritage of Sangyuanwei as an example based on the theory of cultural memory and explored four value dimensions of the heritage. It is used to associate material ontological features with subjective emotional memory and to extract the memory picture of village buildings, trade fairs, and business markets. And then, through information visualization, it puts forward the value of a virtual and real symbiosis in a digital creative design scheme. Thus, images and scenes are used to strengthen the relationship between heritage materials, characters, and historical events (activities) and to empower the regional cultural inheritance of Sangyuanwei heritage through creative design. Its purpose is to strengthen the sense of group identity and contribute ideas to solve problems for the restoration and protection of Sangyuanwei heritage.

Trade Fairs, Host Cities and Tourism Development: The Case of Thessaloniki, Greece

The literature has mainly focused on the significant business opportunities that companies obtain from their participation in trade fairs while less interest has been given to their impacts on the host regions. However, trade fairs are events with complex socio-spatial dimensions and an important scope of urban governance that need further analysis. The purpose of this article is to investigate the attitudes, opinions and representations of the exhibitors and visitors of the trade fairs in Thessaloniki, regarding the trade fair itself and its efficiency, the city of Thessaloniki as a destination, as well as the relationship between trade fairs and the city. The method of collecting qualitative material and information involved in-depth interviews with a semi-structured interview guide, while quota sampling was used. In total, 103 interviews were conducted at the trade fairs of Zootechnia and Detrop. Results show that the effect of trade fair activity on the city of Thessaloniki is strong and multi-layered. Also, the relationship between trade fair activity and the city is interactive and two-way, as one feeds and is powered by the other. Moreover, the need for coordination and cooperation between local agencies in an urban governance framework was highlighted.

Securities Markets and Their Regulation in Zambia: A New Dawn or a Rebranding of the Old Norms?

Securities markets are a barometer for the economic progression of any country. The quest to harness the maximum benefits that such markets afford has led governments to enact specific legislation and develop appropriate policies. Despite enacting legislation in 1970, it was only in 1993 that the Zambian securities market was established. Simultaneously, the Securities Act 1993 was also enacted. However, it was replete with shortcomings, leading to its repeal and replacement by the Securities Act 2016 (amended by the Securities (Amendment) Act 21 of 2022; hereinafter the Securities Act 2016 as amended). The Securities Act 2016 as amended has for the most part been hailed as a progressive piece of legislation that has incorporated global best practices aimed at enhancing the securities market. There is optimism that the Securities Act 2016 as amended has breathed new life into the securities industry which was seemingly ailing and on life support. It remains questionable, however, whether the Securities Act 2016 as amended enhances the performance of the securities market by effectively fostering fair and efficient trading and ensuring financial integrity, or if it simply reiterates the problems of its predecessor or worse still creates new challenges. In this article the author critically assesses the Securities Act 2016 as amended to ascertain the extent to which it conforms to the IOSCO Principles 2017 and the practices of other countries such as Kenya, whose Capital Markets Act Chapter 485 offers greater clarity.

Legitimate Transaction? Regulating Commercial International Marriage Brokers in South Korea

Marriages between South Korean men and women from less affluent Asian countries have been popular since the 1990s, and commercial international marriage brokers have played an important role in the trend. This article argues that the laws and regulations governing marriage brokers, such as Marriage Brokers Business Management Act (MBBMA) and consumer protection mechanisms, have reinforced the rights of citizen-husbands and legitimized claims from the men’s movement. As a result, the state’s regulation of commercial matchmaking endorses a form of commodified intimacy and protects the rights of male client-cum-“head of the family,” despite the consequences of commodifying the personhood of migrant women and legitimizing the violence of denying their personal autonomy. Data include public documents and policies from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Korea Institute for Healthy Family, Korea Consumer Agency, Fair Trade Commission, and MBBMA. Analysis of these public texts reveals the legal and policy language that sanitizes and disguises unequal gender roles and discrimination against foreigners.

Globalization: Embracing global citizenship and the right to migrate

ABSTRACT This comprehensive commentary explores various facets of globalization, including the right to migrate, cultural dimensions, power dynamics in shaping global narratives, the impact of globalization on health, and the roles of international institutions and multinational corporations. It delves into the socioeconomic implications of migration, emphasizing the ethical considerations surrounding globalization and the responsibilities of affluent nations. Examples such as the Fair Trade movement, global collaboration in health care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the influence of power dynamics on cultural narratives provide a nuanced understanding. The commentary underscores the need for international collaboration, ethical business practices, and responsible investment to address global challenges. By examining these dimensions, the analysis contributes to a holistic understanding of the complexities associated with globalization, emphasizing the importance of balanced and inclusive approaches. This commentary is in response to an editorial published in this journal titled “Globalization through global citizenship and right to migrate.”

Korea’s Trade Policy Beyond Free Trade Agreements

Korea’s trade policy has proven to be effective in establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between international trade and economic growth. During the past several decades, Korea has evolved its trade approach from a bilateral (export-oriented) focus to a multilateral strategy that adheres to the rules of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and WTO. Since the turn of the century, Korea has prioritized expanding its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network, which has become a hallmark of its trade policy. This approach has helped the country to build stronger relationships with key trading partners and increase access to new markets. In response to the evolving global environment, Korea has implemented various measures to address new challenges while maintaining openness and fairness in global trade. Given its high trade-to-GDP ratio, it is crucial for Korea to maintain a stable and resilient economic environment. Currently, Korea’s trade policy centers on strengthening supply chains and integrating itself into the reshaping global value chains (GVC). The country is also contributing to global rule-making, with a particular focus on digital transformation and the net-zero transition. Moreover, Korea is committed to deepening and upgrading existing FTAs while expanding and complementing them, recognizing their significance as platforms for cooperation and communication with other countries. Korea’s trade policy, FTA, WTO, GVC, Supply Chain

Smart Farming: Bridging Farmers and Consumers through Machine Learning-Enabled E-commerce Platforms

Abstract: This research paper proposes the development of an e-commerce platform tailored specifically for farmers, integrating machine learning algorithms for fruit detection and classification, alongside blockchain technology for enhanced authentication. The platform aims to streamline the agricultural supply chain, facilitating direct transactions between farmers and consumers while ensuring product quality and authenticity. The machine learning models will enable automated fruit recognition and categorization, allowing farmers to efficiently showcase their produce online. Additionally, blockchain technology will provide a secure and transparent framework for verifying the origin and quality of agricultural products, fostering trust among buyers. The synergistic combination of machine learning and blockchain holds promise for revolutionizing the agricultural sector, promoting fair trade practices, and empowering farmers in the digital marketplace.

Issues and Improvement Measures related to the Enforcement of Fair Trade Case

Issues and Improvement Measures related to the Enforcement of Fair Trade Case

How can sustainable business models distribute value more equitably in global value chains? Introducing “value chain profit sharing” as an emerging alternative to fair trade, direct trade, or solidarity trade

AbstractGlobal supply chains often distribute value inequitably among the Global North and South. This perpetuates poverty and contributes to indecent work in raw material‐producing countries, thus creating challenges to sustainable development. For decades, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable business model innovations have aimed to distribute value more equitably across global value chains, for instance via fair trade, alternative trade, and direct trade. This article examines a novel and hitherto understudied innovation for equitable value distribution in global supply chains: “value chain profit sharing.” We draw on interview and archival data from two cases of social entrepreneurs working in the coffee sector to develop a generalized model. One of the model's key features is that the entrepreneur pays suppliers in multiple installments that reflect market conditions (as opposed to a single lump sum based on prediction). We show how this can increase value creation, appropriation, and equitable distribution. Although our research suggests that this model may be highly contingent on leaders' skills, resources, sense of place, and accountability to suppliers, we find no evidence that its applications are limited to specific countries or sectors. Our research further extends extant theory by showing how “value chain profit sharing” may relieve some of the tensions often associated with sustainable business models, including distributing value to suppliers while maintaining financial solvency; creating value while pursuing a social mission; providing benefits to suppliers without curtailing their market opportunities; responding to market conditions while maintaining commitments to suppliers; and scaling without diluting benefits. It thereby contributes to the literatures on sustainable business model innovations, equitable value distribution in global supply chains, novel application of revenue‐sharing contracts, and innovative methods of profit sharing. It furthermore provides actionable guidance for social entrepreneurs, corporate social responsibility practitioners, and supplier cooperatives aiming to achieve more equitable value distribution and sustainable supply chains.

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIONS IN THE USA AND AFRICA

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable supply chain practices, focusing on innovative initiatives in both the United States (USA) and Africa. As the global community grapples with environmental challenges and seeks to create a more sustainable future, the supply chain industry plays a pivotal role in driving positive change. This review explores key sustainable supply chain practices, shedding light on the distinctive approaches taken by businesses in the USA and Africa. In the USA, sustainable supply chain practices are characterized by a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and corporate social responsibility. Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly logistics strategies, such as the use of renewable energy in transportation and distribution networks. The integration of advanced technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices and blockchain, is facilitating transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, ensuring that sustainable practices are upheld from production to delivery. In contrast, Africa presents a unique landscape where sustainable supply chain practices are often influenced by socio-economic factors, resource constraints, and the need for inclusive development. Initiatives in Africa focus on promoting local sourcing, community engagement, and fair trade practices. Innovative approaches include the use of alternative and locally sourced materials, as well as the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, collaboration between businesses and local communities plays a significant role in fostering sustainable practices and creating a positive impact on the social and environmental aspects of the supply chain. This review also highlights challenges faced by both regions, such as regulatory frameworks, infrastructure limitations, and the need for capacity building. Despite these challenges, the growing recognition of sustainability as a critical business imperative is driving a paradigm shift in supply chain practices. This review contributes to the understanding of sustainable supply chain practices by examining innovations in both the USA and Africa. By identifying commonalities and distinctions, it offers insights that can inform global strategies for building resilient, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible supply chains in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
 Keywords: Supply Chain, Innovation, USA, Africa, Sustainability.