Ed1: Tim Grace with Gigante, Jaspers, Ethiopia Coffee and Coffee Connections
Topic: Better learning through tasting: fairtrade coffee cupping
Coffee is the flagship commodity of the FAIRTRADE certification system and is currently available in Australia from over a dozen producer nations. This workshop will give attendees the opportunity to familiarize themselves with three of these coffee-growing nations- East Timor, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea- through a guided coffee tasting session. Features include: cupping tips; details of the coffee growing communities and their coffees' flavour profiles from coffee roasters Paul Caligiore (Gigante Coffee), Graham Romanes (Ethiopia Coffee) and Wells Trentfield (Jasper Coffee); and, special guest Henry Ame, General Manager of Coffee Connections Ltd., PNG.

Tim Grace is a founder and national coordinator of Hooked, the national student movement for fair trade

Ed2: Brett Inder
Topic: Economics 101
Third workshop will explore the concept and function of Fair Trade from an economic standpoint. An overview of the current market system, its benefits and limitations, will introduce and highlight global trade issues (such as protection, tariffs and dumping). In the context of this broader framework, Fair Trade will be analysed and critiqued as a means of addressing these concerns and providing greater economic justice.

Brett Inder is Associate Professor of Business and Economics at Monash University.

Ed3: Mike Cebon
Topic: Global Trade/Global Justice: Everything you ever wanted to know about the global trading system, but were afraid to ask!
This workshop will paint a picture of the context in which fair trade emerged - a fundamental backdrop portrait for understanding the nature of our current global trading system. Attendees will be made aware of the major players and influential economic philosophies; the roles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank will be explored as well as concepts such as 'free trade', 'neoliberalism', protectionism and trade liberalisation. A great workshop for a more detailed look into the forces of international trade with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Mike Cebon is coordinator at Global Trade Watch

Ed4: Cameron Neil
Topic: Fair Trade Basic Principles
This workshop will look more closely at the Fair Trade system and what it upholds. Examples of specific producer experiences will demonstrate how these standards are worked out in reality. An overview of the certification process and the FAIRTRADE label - what they represent and guarantee, and who they benefit - will provide foundational knowledge for those seeking a better understanding of the way the system operates.

Cameron Neil is a Fairtrade Certification Analyst of Fairtrade Labelling Organisation of Australia and New Zealand (FLO).

Ed4: Natasha Lewis, Nick Savidis, Nicole Philip, Neil Bowker, Daniel Kinne
Topic: FAIRTRADE labelled product profiles: Tea, Coffee, Chocolate and Sports Balls
Come and be educated about the fair-trade options available here in Australia! In this workshop, a panel of speakers will introduce the four main certified products - coffee, tea, cocoa, and soccer balls. Neil Bowker and Daniel Kinne, Natasha Lewis, Nicole Lamond-Philp and Nick Savaidis will each provide a closer look at these commodities. An insight into each industry will include topics such as FLO standards and price and premium price specifics, as well as issues, stories and unique facts about where the products come from.

Neil Bowker is a part of the FTA; Daniel Kinne is chairman of the Highlands Organic Agriculture Cooperative (HOAC); Natasha Lewis is from Cocolo; Nicole Lamond-Philp is from Universal Village; and Nick Savaidis is from Etiko.

Ed6: Paul Deighton
Topic: The International Fair Trade Association or 'IFAT in a nutshell'
The International Fair Trade Association or IFAT is the umbrella networking organisation in the world of Fair Trade. This workshop will be an introduction to IFAT, outlining its function, structure and role. It will cover the history of the organisation, detailing how it relates to and differs from FLO, as well as siting specific products and organisations it monitors. Opportunity for questions and discussion will be included.

Paul Deighton is Secretary of IFAT and Merchandising Manager of New Internationalist Australia.