The central idea behind Fairtrade is to guarantee agricultural growers, producers and labourers in developing countries a 'minimum price' for their products, which include tea, coffee, cocoa and bananas.

This minimum price not only covers the cost of production and the cost for the workers to live in a sustainable fashion, but also includes an extra cost, which can be used for investment. This is to help agricultural producers and communities plan their futures and the strategic development of their businesses better. It can be used to invest in the sustainable development of communities, on things like the improvement of education, healthcare, infrastructure and other facilities.

Survival

Fairtrade has huge benefits to agricultural producers in the developing world - many of whom often live on a knife-edge of survival. Fluctuations in the economy and natural disasters can lead to a catastrophic impact on many communities, as the devastation of last December's tsunami demonstrated. If a crop fails, or if small-scale producers are unable to sell at a decent price, then they can be forced into crippling debt and countless others can lose their homes, their lands and, therefore, the ability to make their living.

Now, Fairtrade is playing a significant role in enabling producers and agricultural communities in the developing world to have the chance to sell their crops for the price that their hard work deserves and to get more control over their lives. The building blocks of education, healthcare and communication are being put in place. As a result, these communities have the chance to develop, plan for and establish a sustainable long-term future.

Products that bear the Fairtrade logo have been bought according to very specific Fairtrade standards that help the producers. So, next time you are at Somerfield, look out for products bearing the distinctive Fairtrade logo and give them a try.

Fairtrade standards stipulate that traders must:

• pay producers a price that covers the cost of sustainable production and living

• pay a premium that producers can invest in development

• sign contracts that allow for long-term planning and sustainable production practices