Equitable trade in Ecuador

El Guabo is the only organisation in Ecuador which has more then 300 smallscale banana producers who work under the umbrella of Fairtrade. The farmers have guaranteed European sales for their bananas at a stable price all year round. Photograph: PR

El Guabo is also unique in Ecuador because it owns a share in the European importing company, AgroFair. AgroFair is the link between producer and consumer. The producers have a say in how AgroFair is run and receive a share of the profits, setting it apart from other importers. Photograph: PR

A cable runner has been installed to make it easier to harvest the bananas from the fields, one of the many ways Fairtrade is improving conditions for the workers. Photograph: PR

A worker carries bananas to the nearby cleaning facility. Before Fairtrade, workers would have to lug heavy bananas in hot temperatures over long distances. Photograph: PR

Cesar Jaen, a worker at El Guabo, smiles as he talks about the positive changes at the plantation. Photograph: PR

Fairtrade guarantees the producers in El Guabo good prices every year, giving stability and the chance to invest in the business to finance equipment such as new water pumps. Photograph: PR

A truck full of bananas prepares to leave the plantation to begin its journey to the treatment factory. Photograph: PR

Ramon Noles recalls agrochemicals bringing terrible health problems in the past. Since Fairtrade was introduced measures have been taken to reduce exposure. Photograph: PR

Fairtrade benefits the whole community with better job security, food programmes and medical centres. Photograph: PR

A group of girls attend school in Ecuador. The Fairtrade premium has allowed the community to invest in education, particularly computer training, and vaccinations. Photograph: PR

The next Ulises de la Cruz? A young boy dreams of football stardom. Photograph: PR

Silvia Arevalo is the vice-president of El Guabo. Photograph: PR