On the other end of the spectrum, in countries like Ethiopia where AIDS affects large portions of the population, reduced coffee revenues are leading to cuts in public health spending.

Rick Peyser of Green Mountain Coffee spoke on the challenges faced by Fair Trade—not least of which is its low visibility.

“The vast majority of consumers just don’t know about Fair Trade,” he said.

The event, which was spearheaded by the Harvard Initiative for Free Trade (HIFT), was sponsored by a group of six campus organizations ranging from the Environmental Action Committee to the Harvard AIDS Coalition.

“We wanted this to be a strong kick-off for the year,” said HIFT founder, Jordan A. A. Bar Am ’04. “We want to raise awareness.”

Last year, HIFT successfully campaigned to have Fair Trade coffee served on campus.

The dining halls currently serve Fair Trade coffee on Thursdays and Sundays, and several campus restaurants serve it on a rotating basis.

The speakers encouraged students to make an effort to buy Fair Trade coffee and to drink the dining hall coffee on Thursdays and Sundays.

They also urged students to fill out comment cards asking for more Fair Trade coffee.

“We have a great relationship with [Harvard University Dining Services],” Bar Am said. “Getting them to serve Fair Trade seven days a week should be very easy.”

Dining services’ Executive Director Ted A. Mayer, in a message to HIFT on Friday, pledged to “support you as we balance the needs and requests of all our students with responsible and caring management practices.”