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Title Recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive and regenerative economy
ID_Doc 80009
Authors Kiessel, Amanda. "Recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive and regenerative economy." Journal of Fair Trade 3, no. 2 (2022): 28-33.
Published Journal of Fair Trade 3, no. 2 (2022): 28-33.
Structure Here are the sections with a two-sentence description each:

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy. It highlights the success of Fair Trade commodity certification but notes that it has become increasingly mainstream, and a new generation of entrepreneurs and activists are more likely to enter through other communities.

Introduction

The author, Amanda Kiessel, reflects on her personal introduction to Fair Trade in the 1990s and how it challenged the traditional economic story that businesses should prioritize profit maximization. She argues that Fair Trade has been a driving force in the movement for a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy and that it is time to celebrate its success and raise the bar.

Celebrate Success, Raise the Bar

The author explains that Fair Trade has multiple strands, including commodity certification systems and enterprise models. These systems have contributed to the diffusion of innovation and the growth of the Fair Trade movement, but they are now becoming less relevant to a new generation of entrepreneurs and activists.

From Development to Systems Change

The author discusses how the Fair Trade movement has evolved from its colonial roots to a more nuanced understanding of systemic challenges. It notes that the movement has moved beyond the narrative of developed countries helping or empowering poor countries and now seeks to address global inequalities and environmental degradation.

Buy Local

The author highlights the growing interest in Buy Local campaigns, which aim to promote local mission-driven enterprises that prioritize marginalized workers and suppliers. Fair Trade enterprises can complement and support these efforts by prioritizing local economic resilience and community development.

Racial Justice

The author notes that there are active racial justice movements in both the Global North and South that aim to create opportunity and wealth for historically marginalized communities. Fair Trade enterprises can recognize and support these movements by prioritizing racial justice and equity.

Worker Ownership and Platform Co-operatives

The author discusses the rise of the gig economy and the need for new models of worker ownership and platform co-operatives. Fair Trade enterprises can recognize and support these efforts by prioritizing fair pay, benefits, and workers' rights.

B Corps

The author highlights the growth of B Corps certification, which recognizes responsible businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact. Fair Trade enterprises can complement and support these efforts by prioritizing social and environmental responsibility.

Social Enterprise

The author notes that social enterprises often use the Fair Trade label to promote social and environmental causes, but that these claims are not always verified. Fair Trade enterprises can help raise the bar by introducing robust verification systems that ensure social and environmental responsibility.

Regenerative Agriculture

The author discusses the growing interest in regenerative agriculture and the need for new models that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and farm worker well-being. Fair Trade enterprises can recognize and support these efforts by prioritizing regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems.

Zero Waste and Climate Action

The author highlights the growing concern about pollution, biodiversity loss, and the climate crisis and notes that Fair Trade enterprises can play a key role in addressing these issues. By prioritizing zero waste and climate action, Fair Trade enterprises can contribute to a regenerative economy that prioritizes people and planet.

Recentring Fair Trade

The author argues that it is time to recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy. This involves celebrating Fair Trade's radical origins in politically active Fair Trade enterprises and recognizing a new generation of mission-driven entrepreneurs and activists as part of the Fair Trade movement.

References

The article includes a list of references that provide further information on the topics discussed.
Summary The Fair Trade movement, which emerged in the 1970s and 1990s, has been successful in promoting a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy. However, the next generation of entrepreneurs and activists is more likely to enter through other communities, such as Buy Local campaigns, racial justice, and worker ownership. Fair Trade, as a movement, is seen as restricted to handicrafts and a narrow range of agricultural commodities, and its visibility has become associated with corporate supply chains and buying certified products. The Fair Trade enterprise community has the potential to engage the next generation of mission-driven entrepreneurs and activists and speed up the next wave of the movement. Fair Trade enterprises have the opportunity to lead the next wave by recognizing and welcoming a new generation of mission-driven entrepreneurs and activists. The movement for a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy has expanded beyond the initial Fair Trade commodity certification system, and new ideas and behaviors are emerging. The Fair Trade enterprise community can help raise the bar by introducing systems that verify supply chains and operations and by sharing experiences related to social procurement and sustainable sourcing. By forming bridges between networks and increasing the visibility of Fair Trade enterprises, the movement can accelerate systemic change and speed up the next wave of the movement. Recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy means celebrating its radical origins and increasing its visibility and influence. By doing so, Fair Trade enterprises can help create a more distributive and regenerative economy that prioritizes people and the planet over profit maximization.
Scientific Methods Based on the article, I have analyzed the research methods used, and here is my conclusion:

No research methods have been explicitly detected in the article. The article appears to be an essay or opinion piece that presents an argument and cites various references to support its claims. The references cited are mostly books, articles, and reports from organizations, but they are not analyzed or used to support a specific research hypothesis.

However, some observations can be made about the research methods used in the broader context of social sciences and social movements:

1. Conceptual analysis: The author conducts a conceptual analysis of the Fair Trade movement, exploring its evolution, goals, and challenges.
2. Critical discourse analysis: The author critiques the dominant narratives and discourses around business, trade, and economics, highlighting the limitations and flaws of the current economic system.
3. Historical analysis: The author provides a historical analysis of the Fair Trade movement, tracing its origins and development over the years.
4. Comparative analysis: The author compares and contrasts the Fair Trade movement with other social movements and initiatives, such as Buy Local, racial justice, and worker ownership.
5. Theoretical analysis: The author draws on theoretical frameworks, such as the diffusion of innovations and social movements, to analyze the Fair Trade movement and its potential impact.

Overall, the article appears to be a non-empirical research piece that relies on theoretical analysis, conceptual analysis, and critical discourse analysis to present an argument about the future of the Fair Trade movement.
Article contribution The article "Recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive and regenerative economy" by Amanda Kiessel makes a significant contribution to the field of Regenerative economics. Here are some key points that highlight its contribution:

1.
Revisiting the origins of Fair Trade
: Kiessel emphasizes the radical origins of Fair Trade, which was a pioneer in promoting a new paradigm of business that prioritizes people and the planet over profit maximization. By revisiting these origins, the article highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of social and environmental movements.
2.
The need to recognize Fair Trade as a systemic challenge
: The article argues that Fair Trade commodity certification has become increasingly mainstream, which has led to its association with corporate supply chains and buying certified products from importers and distributors. Kiessel emphasizes the need to recognize Fair Trade as a systemic challenge that requires a more nuanced understanding of the structural issues that contribute to inequality and environmental degradation.
3.
Linking Fair Trade to other social and environmental movements
: The article highlights the connections between Fair Trade and other social and environmental movements, such as Buy Local, racial justice, worker ownership, platform co-operatives, B Corps, social enterprise, regenerative agriculture, zero waste, and climate action. By recognizing these connections, the article demonstrates how Fair Trade can contribute to a more holistic approach to creating a just, inclusive, and regenerative economy.
4.
The importance of social movements in driving systemic change
: Kiessel emphasizes the role of social movements in driving systemic change and argues that Fair Trade enterprises have the potential to lead the next wave of the movement. The article highlights the importance of multi-generational movements, which can celebrate and learn from those that came before and build on their success.
5.
Celebrating Fair Trade's achievements and raising the bar
: The article celebrates Fair Trade's achievements, such as its ability to bring attention to issues of inequality and environmental degradation. However, it also emphasizes the need to raise the bar and continue to challenge the status quo by promoting a more radical approach to business and trade.
6.
Reimagining Fair Trade as a platform for systemic change
: The article reimagines Fair Trade as a platform for systemic change, rather than just a certification system. By recognizing Fair Trade's potential to drive systemic change, the article demonstrates how this movement can contribute to a more just, inclusive, and regenerative economy.

Overall, the article "Recentring Fair Trade in the movement for a just, inclusive and regenerative economy" makes a significant contribution to the field of Regenerative economics by:

* Emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical context of social and environmental movements
* Highlighting the connections between Fair Trade and other social and environmental movements
* Recognizing the potential of Fair Trade enterprises to lead the next wave of the movement
* Celebrating Fair Trade's achievements and raising the bar for systemic change
* Reimagining Fair Trade as a platform for systemic change

These contributions demonstrate the importance of Fair Trade in driving systemic change and promoting a more just, inclusive, and regenerative economy.
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