LOCAL/STATE The Michigan Daily - Thursday, October 18, 2001- 5A Fair Trade program -seeks higher wages Going the distance By Tomislav Ladika Daily StaffReporter With an economic downturn driving coffee prices down to the lowest level in half a century, the Fair Trade coffee program airns to ensure small farmers receive an adequate price for the coffee they grow. Nina Luttinger, communications manager for TransFair, an organization determined to improving the economic plight of small farmers. said Fair Trade guarantees farmers a decent wage and encourages them to organize trade unions. Small colkfe farmers usually have to sell coffee to-middlemen at 38 cents per pound Luttinger said. Production costs average 90 cents per pound. But companies under the Fair Trade policy buy directly from the small farmer unions, cut out the middle- men. and pay SI .26 per pound of coffee. The unions use this money to improve the lives of farm- ers and their communities. The Fair Trade Labeling Organization, founded in Europe in 1998 with 17 member countries, mon- itors the small farmers who produce coffee to ensure they meet Fair Trade criteria. Honduran farmer Eliva Alvarado spoke to a group of students in Angell Hall last night to raise awareness oflthe low prices farmers receive for cof- fee. "Because (small farmers) don't have the support of the government or any other institutions, we don't have roads, health care and education," Alvarado said. "Free Trade coffee helps us because we get a fair price and we can live a more dignified life" Ben I layes, a member of the Environmental Jus- tice Group at the University, said students need to realize who produces the coffee they buy. "Students have to understand they have a choice of where they buy coffee, and that this choice directly affects the lives of people;" Hayes said. Hayes said the people and cafes he has talked to so far have been very receptive, but while some of the coffee shops like the idea of Fair Trade coffee. they have economic concerns that complicate the issue. In Ann Arbor, Cava Java and Cafe Verde serve Fair Trade coflee. Iayes said, and Starbucks recently began selling whole bean coffee under the Fair Trade program. Luttinger said coffee companies like Starbucks are responsive to consumer pressure to use Fair Trade coffee, especially from highly educated and socially conscious customers. Tommy York, owner of the Big Ten Party Store, said his store began carrying Fair Trade coffee to reduce exploitation of third world farmers and because of product quality. lie said many of his customers are aware of Fair Trade and buy coffee because it is sold through the program. Markus Curry to stand trial on 2 charges By Kristen Beaumont Daily Staff Rcpnrter Washtenaw County District Judge Elizabeth lines ruled yesterday that Markus Curry, a freshman corner- back on the Michigan football team, will stand trial on charges of domestic assault and tele- phone tampering. Curry entered a plea of not guilty yesterday during his pretrial. IlIe could face up to two years in jail if convicted on the telephone tampering charge. The domestic assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 93 days in prison. Steven Fishman, Curry's attorney. said jury selection will begin Dec. 17. Curry The trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 20. Curry was arrested at about 2 a.m. Friday at South Quad Residence Hall after he allegedly committed domestic assault against a female student and prevented her from making a phone call. Curry was held in the Washtenaw County jail until being arraigned that morning. Later that evening he was released on S25,000 bond, which was posted by a family member. Fishman said. Curry, who did not play in Saturday's game against Pur- due, has been suspended indefinitely from the team. DVID R - O -HKIND LIy University employees Seth Myer and Jason Hohman walk underneath a railroad bridge on Washington Street yesterday afternoon. All members of the UM community are invited to participate in this "PEACE PLANTING" N This Week in Michigan Athletics Presented by: Ameritech of 84,74 G 2000 white Mount Hood daffodils will be planted as a commemoration of the losses to our nation and the world on September 11,2001. The bulbs are expected to come up in early Spring to remind us of our thoughts and hopes at this challenging time. Volleyball Friday, October 19 Michigan vs. #10 Ohio State 7 p.m. Autograph session following the match! Saturday, October 20 Michigan vs. #11 Penn State 7 p.m. All matches held at Cliff Keen Arena Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for children & senior citizens. U-M students admitted for FREE! For more info. on Michigan Athletics visit MGoBlue.com. Hockey Saturday, October 20 Michigan vs. W. Michigan 7:35 p.m. Men's Soccer Sunday, October 21 Michigan vs. Wisconsin 2 p.m. U-M Soccer Field. (State Street) Free Men's Soccer Team Photo Cards to the first 500 fans!!! Admission is FREE! Free Youth Soccer Clinic Sponsored by the Michigan Men's Soccer Program Saturday, October 20 1-3 p.m. at Elbel Field Open to boys and girls, ages 7-14. Women's Soccer Friday, October 19 Michigan vs. Minnesota 4 p.m. U-M Soccer Field (State Street) Admission is FREE! Field Hockey Saturday, October 20 #2 Michigan vs. #18 Penn State 11 a.m. Phyllis Ocker Field Admission is FREE! PEACE~ Friday, October 19, 2001 9:00 -2:00 pm At the tear-drop shaped area along the pathway behind Stockwell and CCRB. Info? Email or call 764-5123 or 936-5805. Sponsored by: Arts at Michigan, "Arts on the Hill"/Lloyd Hall Scholars & HousiNg, and UM Department of Grounds S er ignite ind.. I