The Wall Street Journal had an article this morning on "fair trade" pricing and how many stores are taking advantage of the pricing opportunity. You would think that the extra money you are paying is going to the farmers, right? Well it looks like stores are pocketing most of the mark-up. For example, one British store charges $2.74 for "fair price" bananas, but only pays the suppliers 71 cents. Wow, nice margin on those 'nanners!

I think that in general, business should just absorb the cost of "fair price" and then use it as a marketing tool. When I'm paying $1.50 for my drip coffee that costs 5 cents to brew, I don't want to be nickel-and-dimed for the extra penny that goes toward "fair price." I don't mind the whole practice, I suppose it counteracts the vicious efficiency of global capitalism. Though I suppose setting the "fair price" could become an increasing problem in the future.