the “free market” system favors big businesses over workers and small, family farmers. (nafta...
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The “free market” system favors big businesses over workers and small, family farmers. (NAFTA has had devastating effects on Mexican farmers, for example, given huge farm subsidies in the US.)
In the “free market,” producers are especially vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations.
The “free trade” model can have devastating environmental effects. (Free trade agreements do not require adoption of internationally recognized environmental standards.)
Paying a fair wage in the local context Offering employees opportunities for
advancement Providing equal employment
opportunities for all people Engaging in environmentally
sustainable practices Being open to public accountability Building long-term trade relationships Providing healthy and safe work
conditions within the local context Providing financial and technical
assistance to producers whenever possible
Ensuring there is no abuse of child labor
Farmers are encouraged to use environmentally friendly practices to preserve the health of the soil, air, water, and workers in the field
Certification ensures that farmers obey all internally monitored environmental standards
Financial incentives encourage organic conversion, reforestation, water conservation, and environmental education.