Giumarra’s Nogales sales division has announced its organic and conventional hard squash,grown in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico by José Carlos Coppel and his son, Juan Carlos Coppel, of Agroexport de Sonora, is now Fair Trade Certified.
“We look forward to expanding our year-round support of the Fair Trade programme with our grower Agroexport,” said John Corsaro, CEO of the Giumarra Companies. “Fair Trade represents an important opportunity for us to work with our retail partners to show consumers that yes, every purchase can make a difference in the lives of farm workers.”
Giumarra will offer Fair Trade Certified acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash from now through mid-June in various pack styles under the Nature’s Partner brand.
Sales of the squash will generate premiums to be paid into a worker-managed community development fund. Agroexport’s farm workers will have the opportunity to vote to spend the funds on a social, economic, or environmental project to benefit their community.
“Our philosophy is to be one step ahead on certifications like Fair Trade that improve the health and happiness of our employees,” says José Carlos Coppel, general manager of Agroexport. “We want to help build strong local communities by investing in our employees and empowering them. Doing what is best for our workers will strengthen our business.”
To achieve Fair Trade certification, farms are audited against Fair Trade USA’s rigorous Agricultural Production Standard, which drives worker and community well-being, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
“We are proud to work with the Giumarra Companies to expand the impact of their Fair Trade programme to more workers in Mexico,” noted Nathalie Marin-Gest, director of produce & floral at Fair Trade USA.
“That we can bring Certified Organic, Fair Trade squash to conscious consumers is very exciting for us,” added Kellee Harris, western region business director for Giumarra. “We consider hard squash a healthy, nutrient-dense addition to fall and winter menus. What better way to celebrate the giving season than by promoting nutritious squash dishes with the Fair Trade message of giving back to make a difference.”
