01/06/2011 (FreshPlaza) - Agrocaribe is the first African palm oil producer in the world to be certified under the standards set by the Sustainable Agricultural Network (SAN) of the Rainforest Alliance Certification program. Thirty farms were certified in a record-setting, five month time period. 

In order to earn the Rainforest Alliance Certification seal, a farm must comply with the standards set by the Sustainable Agricultural Network (SAN) which is one of the oldest and largest coalitions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The SAN promotes productive agricultural systems, conservation of ecosystems and wildlife populations, and ensures safe working conditions for all employees through the creation of social and environmental standards. Its international twelve-member committee advises and updates the standards to meet with the latest technological and farming practices. The SAN developed the concept of sustainable agriculture as a way to promote the interests of workers, communities, consumers, and the environment in world trade in order to maximize the social and economic benefits for producers, and at the same time, minimize the environmental impact.

The Inter-American Foundation for Tropical Research (FIIT) is the Guatemalan partner of the Sustainable Agricultural Network of the Rainforest Alliance. The executive director of the FIIT commented, “The FIIT is a source of pride for Guatemala, especially because they helped Agrocaribe to become the first African palm producer world-wide to earn the Rainforest Alliance Certification seal. Agrocaribe is an exemplary company because of its social, economic, and environmental programs. It also generates jobs for local Guatemalans while promoting its philosophy of teamwork and change.”

The principle benefit of becoming Rainforest Alliance certified is that farms are able to increase their productivity through better management of materials and employees. As well, the employees benefit from working in a safer, healthier, and more dignified working environment.

During the certification process, Agrocaribe generated a system of protocols to address waste product management, especially oil and agrochemical spills; efficient energy usage; and employee training programs to comply with the standards for certification by the Rainforest Alliance. The manager in charge of the certification process for Agrocaribe commented, “The Rainforest Alliance Certification was a major challenge for us because we had to implement specific criteria to improve each link in the chain of production. It was also a great personal experience because I had the challenge of putting into practice the programs and processes needed to meet the sustainable agricultural standards of the certification.” 

Agrocaribe seeks to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainability through the transformation of land use practices. The company is also dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of its employees and the local communities near the company's operations. In order to become certified, Agrocaribe had to prove their African palms are of the highest quality available in the marketplace, that the company is dedicated to continual improvement, and that they are in constant compliance with local labor and environmental laws.

The President of Agrocaribe commented, “Being the first African palm producer to receive the Rainforest Alliance Certification seal has benefitted us greatly. We are now in a position in the world market which will allow us to become more competitive. As well, this certification proves our commitment to maintaining standards that contribute to a safe environment, and at the same time, improve the working conditions of employees and ensure the welfare of the communities which surround our operations. This certification was achieved through the dedicated teamwork of all of the employees in this company. We are all responsible for Agrocaribe being a pioneer in the field of African palm oil production.”