Is Fair Trade coffee always fair? College of the Atlantic students Oliver Bruce and Matthew McInnis spent three months in Guatemala last winter investigating this question, studying how the trade in organic, shade-grown coffee that offers a fair deal to its producers really works. They discovered that Fair Trade (TM) isn't necessarily the answer.

Bruce and McInnis will be presenting their findings during a presentation titled, "Beyond Fair Trade-Notes from the frontlines of coffee production in Guatemala" in COA's Gates Community Center on Monday, May 12 at 4 p.m.

During the presentation they will discuss current problems with Fair Trade coffee as it stands now, alternative models of fairness they found among coffee growers, and the options available to those who are prohibited from being Fair Trade. They also will be covering the next generation of fairness and offer advice for those who do want to make a positive impact on the producers with their coffee dollars when buying coffee.

Accompanying the presentation will be photos and videos shot by the students. There will be time for questions at the end. For more information, call 288-5015.