Marike Runneboom de Peña is not one to mince her words. When asked for the biggest barrier to securing sustainable livelihoods for farmers, she gives one word. “Businesses,” says the global CEO of Fairtrade International. “Because poverty and unfair trading conditions are directly linked – that’s it.”

Born in the Netherlands but a long-time resident of the Dominican Republic, where she’s worked directly with banana farmers for more than 25 years, de Peña takes her time when asked how she’d sum up her highly intricate role. “Connecting farmers’ and workers’ needs with market expectations,” she settles on.