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We know that trade is one of the best ways for people to work their way out of poverty, but to do that, poor farmers need to belong to strong organisations, and to have access to markets, and the ability to challenge unfair trade restrictions. This is why Comic Relief has had a trade programme since 2004, supporting people to provide a better future for themselves and their families.

Getting Fairtrade certified means producers get a better deal, but they need to be part of a larger association or co-operative to get certified. We have worked with the Fairtrade Foundation on this issue, and since the project started in 2007, 10 new producer groups representing 20,000 producers across four countries have got Fairtrade certified, giving all these people a real chance to work their way out of poverty.

We also work with both producers and those in power, to make sure everyone profits. In Mali, one of the projects we fund through Oxfam has already seen a 15-25% price rise for cotton farmers in only the second year of the project, meaning a fairer deal for those who need it most.

Find out more about our work in Trade.