Guillermo has two passions in his life: helping other people and the countryside. He is the president of his local farmers’ association, and helps administer the benefits that Fairtrade brings to the community. “I was born with a vocation to help others, and I grew up that way. I think I will die helping those who can least help themselves”.

However, Guillermo spends most of his time working alone on his small cocoa farm. “Your mind feels very clear in the country,” he says. “You feel free, away from all pressures. When you get home, the problems come running back.”

Guillermo is near the end of a two year term as president of his local farmers’ association. He’s therefore seen the benefits that Fairtrade has brought to the community. Where he lives, medical workers have been providing free advice and medicines. A nursery, funded by the Fairtrade premium, is providing the farmers with fruit trees at low cost. These trees shade the cocoa plants, and give the farmers an alternative source of nutrition and income. Aqueducts and pathways across ditches make it easier to work in fields which are often far from roads.

His message to Fairtrade shoppers is simple. “We promise to provide you with a good quality of fruit, so long as you promise to keep buying more!”