May 19, 2016
The Impact of Trade Deals in America
[02:36] Introduction of Rodney North.
[03:13] Rodney shares about when he became passionate about fair trade.
[04:27] Rodney explains the mission of Fairtrade America.
[05:54] Rodney describes the coffee-focused project Fairtrade America is involved in.
[07:45] Is there a corollary within the tea industry for those who don’t drink coffee?
[09:24] Why is fair trade an important issue for working-class and lower-income Americans?
[10:24] How would you define “fair trade”?
[13:33] Rodney explains NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).
[16:15] How do trade deals impact the environment, working-class Americans, and our communities?
[18:52] Is it possible to structure a trade deal when the cost-of-living imbalance is so great on a global scale?
[23:03] If people don’t understand the value of organized labor and being paid a fair wage, are they able to understand what’s happening with the undermining of workers in other parts of the world?
[26:07] Where can listeners learn more about Fairtrade America?
[26:48] Rodney shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities.
[27:40] Rodney describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future.
[28:52] Rodney explains what trade looks like 30 years from now.
Rodney North is Fairtrade America’s Director of Marketing and External Relations. Rodney oversees Fairtrade America’s marketing, public relations and advocacy efforts to increase awareness and support for equitable business practices involving smallholder farmers and other stakeholders. He has worked in the fair trade foods movement longer than all but a handful of individuals in the nation and has been deeply involved in communicating the fair trade story to diverse constituencies. Prior to his role at Fairtrade America, Rodney worked for Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative and market leader in the fair trade and organic food movements. North joined the pioneering company in 1996, serving in various positions, including for the past 15 years in media relations and public advocacy roles. He earned the nickname The Answer Man because of his extensive knowledge of fair trade, the global food industry, small farmer co-operatives, socially responsible and sustainable business practices, and how business models intersect with human development. At Equal Exchange, North was also one of the co-operative’s 120 worker-owners. He was a two-term director of the enterprise’s Board of Directors, and he served as Vice Chair for three years. North has also volunteered with the Fair Trade Federation (membership screening committee), and for four years was an advisor to the board of directors of La Siembra, a Canadian worker co-operative and 100% fair trade, 100% organic food company.
Fairtrade America is a national, nonprofit organization committed to helping smallholder farmers and workers around the world get a fairer price for their products, access to international markets, and funds for community development that will enable them to lead better lives, and invest in their communities. Fairtrade America is a member of Fairtrade International, which comprises 25 such organizations around the world and three producer networks that together establish international Fairtrade standards. Fairtrade International is unusual among ethical certifications due to the large governance role played by its members in the global south. Participating farmer producer groups hold half the votes in the Fairtrade International General Assembly and more than one-third of the seats on the Fairtrade International board of directors. The Fairtrade Mark is the most recognized and trusted ethical label worldwide, found on products sold in over 120 countries...
