Margin redistribution for better job opportunities

A partnership between Dole Europe B.V. and 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.

What we do

Field-to-fork traceability

Including identification of growers, farm- and factory workers, and transparency on the (re)distribution of margins.

Supply chain transparency for responsible sourcing

Proactive disclosure and verification of highly valuable data to create higher product value. Giving farm- and factory workers a face and voice and making them part of the international citrus value chain.

Funding of education and economic opportunities in local communities

Distributing part of Dole Europe B.V.’s margin to community projects to increase economic prospects.

The Travelling Teacher

Dole Europe B.V. is redistributing part of their margin towards community projects focused on education and economic diversification. The local organisation Sundays River Valley Collaborative (SRVC) provides context and helps select the most impactful projects. One project that made the selection is the Travelling Teacher project, that increases agricultural skills and knowledge in the community by engaging highly skilled educators to deliver classes across participating schools in the Valley.