Wholesum Harvest implements Fair Trade certified organic produce
Wholesum Harvest implements Fair Trade certified organic produce
Wholsum Harvest, a Nogales-based organic grower and shipper of West Mexico and Arizona’s most popular winter vegetable items, is now implementing Fair Trade certified organic produce.
Fair Trade certified’s mantra is focused on compensation and safe working conditions for every Wholsum Harvest grower.
Its commitment to fair trade, fair labor practices, equitable compensation and environmental sustainability has earned Wholesum Harvest a Fair Trade certification by Fair Trade USA — the country’s leading third-party fair trade certifier.
Buying Fair Trade certified produce from Wholesum Harvest means:
• Growers in Mexico are getting a fair price for their produce.
• A portion of profits will be invested back into the grower community. Wholesum Harvest contribues to various social projects that benefit the health and education of employees and their families, and the economic development of the region.
• Produce has been grown in an environmentally sustainable manner — harmful chemicals and pesticides are never used.
• Workers are treated with integrity, and child labor practices are strictly enforced.
Wholesum Harvest’s democratically elected Fair Trade Committee identifies areas of need within the community, and then, the company’s employees vote on which projects to fund.
When the Mexican states of Veracruz and Guerrero were devastated by hurricanes, Wholesum Harvest’s Fair Trade Committee donated $150,000 Mexican pesos (approximately $11,600 USD) to benefit those affected by the storms. This donation, made through Fomento Social Banamex A.C., the nonprofit social welfare arm of Banamex bank, was matched peso for peso by the bank, resulting in $300,000 pesos being donated to hurricane victims.
The Fair Trade Committee at Wholesum Harvest also offers educational scholarships for employees and their children. The company is currently providing scholarships to more than 80 students, preschool to university age.
Additionally, Wholesum Harvest recently purchased a bus that is used to transport local children to and from area schools and also just completed construction of a new secure playground in the town of Los Janos in Sonora, Mexico.
Wholesum Harvest’s Fair Trade Commission has approved a program to provide workers with assistance in purchasing safe, affordable housing. The commission will provide donations that, in coordination with state government benefits, will enable workers to purchase basic housing for only 12 percent of the total cost.