Farmers around the world get a better deal when they sell their produce on Fairtrade terms. This leads to a better and more stable income and can help them break the cycle of poverty in which they are trapped.

The farmers operating under the Fairtrade system get a social premium which may be used to provide safe drinking water, a health centre or a school, whatever will benefit the community.

However not enough companies are buying on Fairtrade terms and not enough of us are buying Fairtrade products.

Croydon became the London Fairtrade borough in 2003, with the support of Croydon Council and dedicated volunteers. This year, during Fairtrade Fortnight, from February 27 to March 11, volunteers will be running stalls around the town centre to highlight the benefits for all of Fairtrade.

Fairtrade Croydon stalls will be operating as follows:

• Centrale: Feb 22, 23, 24, from 10am to 4pm daily
• Whitgift Centre: March 4, 10am to 4pm
• Croydon Central Library: Mar 11, 10am to 3pm

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