Giumarra asparagus grower earns Fair Trade certification
Giumarra asparagus grower earns Fair Trade certification
Giumarra Borquez, a partnership between the Giumarra Cos. and the Borquez family that grows, packs and distributes asparagus grown in Mexico to the North American market, announced that its asparagus fields in Obregon, Mexico, are now Fair Trade certified.
The company has additional global alliances that, in conjunction 
Pablo Borquez recently became the first Fair Trade-certified asparagus grower in the world.with Mexico, provide a year-round supply for its customers. The asparagus is packed under the "Nature's Partner" label.
Pablo Borquez of Campo Pablo Borquez was recently certified by Fair Trade USA and is currently the only asparagus grower in North America to be Fair Trade certified.
"We are pleased to be working with Pablo Borquez, who recently became the first Fair Trade-certified asparagus grower in the world," Paul Rice, president and chief executive officer of Fair Trade USA, said in a press release. "American consumers want to make a difference with their purchases, and forward-thinking growers like Borquez are providing more delicious options to contribute toward a better world."
In 1994, Mr. Borquez and his family began developing projects to benefit the local community in the areas of housing, education and health.
"Pablo is highly regarded for all the work he does to enrich his community," Bruce Dowhan, general manager of Giumarra Borquez, added in the press release. "We are proud that Fair Trade USA has recognized his efforts as we continue to grow our asparagus program."
In 2006, the Borquez family created the Borquez Schwarzbeck Foundation, a philanthropic organization that continues the family's charitable efforts and supports rural communities adjacent to the fields where Campo Pablo Borquez operates. Some of the foundation's projects include constructing two community centers and supplying potable water to approximately 15,000 local residents.
"It is through our foundation that we have discovered how to operate in a professional, efficient manner that also improves the lives of our coworkers and their families," Mr. Borquez added in the press release. "We look forward to working with Fair Trade USA to further our efforts."
Campo Pablo Borquez is the second Giumarra grower to become Fair Trade certified, with the first being the Salazar family, which grows grapes and watermelon in Sonora, Mexico.
