~ Situation Briefing by Marc Choyt, Publisher Columbia Gem House (CGH) of Vancouver, Washington, has nearly completed a process they began several years ago to trademark and monopolize the term, “Fair Trade Gems.” If CGH is successful, they will own that term in the marketplace. The notion that one company can file a lawsuit against

~ By Marc Choyt Artisan-Owned Direct Distribution Model Fair Trade For Artisans In the “fair trade” world, many businesses source their products not from artisans and producers as implied by the familiar fair trade narratives. Rather, the fair trade suppliers to retail stores are – perhaps with few exceptions- commercial consolidators and intermediary wholesalers. Consequently,

Introduction: Greg Valerio, a prominent activist in the fair trade jewelry movement, has officially resigned from his company. Freed from the business he founded, he intends to focus on the fair trade jewelry issues exclusively. See his resignation letter below. Greg is also a staff writer for fairjewelry.org. ~ Marc Choyt, Publisher I am writing