Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) is expanding its global mission of social, economic, and environmental justice beyond the Global South, to encompass U.S.-based farmers and farmworkers. Early experiments in Produce (fruits and vegetables) and Dairy have been underway for two years, primarily in the western half of the country. We believe the time is right to expand the research to growers and processors in the Midwest who supply key retailers and brands interested in FTUSA’s rigorous certification and impact programs. This requires a deeper understanding of what is produced in the Midwest, where it is produced, in what quantities, on what types of farms, and how it is subsequently distributed. We are looking for two Friedman students to work on this project, starting as soon as possible and initially extending through Spring semester, 2021. For more details, contact Todd Stark at FTUSA and Tim Griffin, AFE Division Chair at Friedman. If successful, this work will form part of the foundation required to secure significant grant funding and broad domestic Fair Trade program expansion.
