October is Fair Trade Month. It's a time to learn about the the benefits of fair trade, become smarter consumers, and take action on structural problems like the antiquated Farm Bill that unfairly distorts trade, impoverishing millions abroad.
The current Farm Bill is the single most trade-distorting legislation on the books. The US Senate will be vote on the 2007 Farm Bill this month. Reforming it would be a powerful step toward fairer trade - and less poverty - across the globe. Trade-distorting subsidies must be reduced because all farmers deserve a chance to farm their way out of poverty - not just the agribusiness benefiting from the current Farm Bill's corporate welfare scheme.
Please call Senator Klobuchar and Coleman today. Use the 800 number noted in the sidebar and in our last post. As always, send your questions, comments, and good ideas to oxfam.mn@gmail.com
Minneapolis-based Peace Coffee is involved with a series of events to mark October as Fair Trade Month.Meet Jacqueline DeCarlo, author of Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide. October 4, 7:30pm @ Common Roots Café and October 6, 11:00am @ The College of St. Catherine, Whitby Hall - Room 121.
Caffeine and Conversation: Sample Mexican coffee harvested by farmers in the Chiapas region. October 13, 11:00am - 1:00pm @ Common Roots Café.
Fair Trade Fair: Purchase delicious and fairly traded items from a variety of vendors - be sure to stop by the Oxfam America table! October 13, 2007 @ California Building, 2205 California Street NE, Minneapolis.
Meet Monika Firl, Producer Relations Director of Cooperative Coffees. October 18, 7:30pm @ Common Roots Café.
Oxfam Action Corps is continuing with our regular Farm Bill activities too, including tabling at the Wilco concert on October 10. Would you like to join us? We're accepting volunteers - click here to apply.
