#WeAreAllFairtraders
Along the supply chain, fair trade is particularly noticeable in the countries of origin. In recent decades, the quality of life of producers and their families has improved significantly. The San Miguel de Brasil cooperative in Ecuador, too, has been able to create fair working conditions for its members. The farmers’ organisation of small producers, which was founded in 2003 and supplies us with climate-neutral organic Fairtrade bananas, is growing steadily thanks to the promotion of fair trade. Projects in the areas of health, education, social welfare and productive development continue to be a great support and have an important impact on growth and development.
Use of the Fairtrade premiums
The distribution of the Fairtrade premium is based solely on the needs of the members, workers and employees of the cooperative and their families and aims to strengthen the community. For this purpose, an administrative infrastructure was created to guarantee networking and efficiency within the cooperative. One of the first steps, for example, was to draw up an overview map of all farms and production sites, with special attention to sensitive or endangered zones that suffer from the effects of environmental pollution and climate change. This was followed by a project to develop bio-fertilisers for the sustainable management of the soil for banana production in order to achieve a more productive harvest.
The focus of all projects is the well-being of the community. In addition to occupational health & safety and medical care, this also includes improving the infrastructure of the communities. Schools are renovated and essential basics such as water pumps and functioning sanitary facilities are built. Children are given laptops, among other things, so that they can be prepared for technological progress in the best possible way. In addition, joint sports activities strengthen the social cohesion in the cooperative.
FairCard
As a cooperative characterised by social, labour and environmental responsibility, San Miguel de Brasil represents the interests of its employees in the market. It advocates workers’ rights and gender equality and prevents any kind of discrimination or forced labour. Its aim is to create a good working life for all those who depend directly and indirectly on the organisation.
In addition to respecting workers’ rights, the cooperative is also able to offer fair pay to all members along the production chain. This provides the employees with a stable livelihood and better future opportunities for their families and future generations.
San Miguel de Brasil has more than earned this FairCard for the efforts they make every day to comply with all social, ecological and economic standards of fair trade. The cooperative is making a significant contribution to changing its environment and thus influencing the future of a fair market. We wish them continued success in fulfilling their goals and visions and look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation.
