Debate: Fair Trade Coffee, How Fair is Fair?

On October 20, 2011, the Janus Forum hosted a lively discussion on the efficacy of buying fair trade coffee. This panel featured Lorraine Ronchi, Colleen Haight, and Emerson Lynn. Lorraine Ronchi is a leading economist at the World Bank Group, focusing in African Agriculture and Rural Development. Prior to her time at the World Bank, Ronchi conducted extensive research on coffee and coca sectors. Colleen Haight is an Assistant Professor of Economics at San Jose State University who conducts research on the influence of regulation on businesses, including the effect of fair trade certification requirements on coffee growers.