Contact
Josje Spierings
Project manager
Margin redistribution for better job opportunities
A partnership between Dole Europe B.V. and the Dutch NGO Fairfood aims to systematically take a part of Dole Europe B.V.’s margin on citrus from the South-African Sunday’s River Valley, and bring it back to local pickers’ and producers’ communities.
What issues does this partnership help solve?
Well, there are two things. The citrus industry is the biggest employer in the Sundays River Valley, although mostly when the fruit needs to be picked and packed. A poor educational system and little economic diversification amplifies the negative effects on the community, with high unemployment as a result. Dole Europe B.V. and Fairfood set out to fill the gap between skill set and job opportunities.
The other thing is: the export of citrus from South Africa to the EU is under pressure. Competition from other markets is high – not only on pricing, but also because the EU has high importing standards when it comes to certification and phytosanitary regulations. This project provides a platform for real-time traceability and helps build stronger business relations, thus securing the citrus supply to the EU.
