Fair Trade

I was stopped by a university student (U.s.) outside IFC Starbucks. She asked if I could help her on the "Fair Trade" survey (of course in Chinese).

It isn't hard to understand what "fair trade" is but to what extent does "fair" go?

U.s.: Have you heard of the term "fair trade"?
Me:   Sounds familiar. May have heard.
U.s.: Do you have any idea what it means by "fair trade"?
Me:   The name says it all. No rocket science.U.s.: Do you know that Starbucks buy those coffee beans at a very low price from farmers?Me:   That's how business is done. To lower the basic cost as much as possible.
U.s.:  But if there's some cafes that sell coffee under "fair trade" conditions, would you rather buy coffee from there?
Me:   Well, as a consumer, it's coffee that I want. If they sell good coffee, plus under "fair trade" conditions, that would be perfect. But I wouldn't buy coffee from a coffee shop solely because it joins the Fair Trade. To the customers, if the quality of the product is bad, fair or not, doesn't matter anymore.
U.s.:  That's it. Thank you.

Stupid questions eh!? They have a perfect world in their mind. What's wrong buying primary material at a lower price? If farmers are deprived and coffee beans are bought at a price that barely covers the cost of production, this is a problem. Honestly, if Starbucks join the Fair Trade, I am more than glad and guilt-free to buy their a little bit more expensive coffee.