As the primary source of employment and economic structure in the regions where we grow our product, Chestnut Hill Farms assumes a responsibility in the continual development and growth of these communities. From the construction of bridges and infrastructure to the repair and maintenance of schools and churches, we take a vested interest in these areas and our people. They are our most important and valuable resource. Below is a sampling of our programs and efforts in this area.
Pineapple Farm field employees earn, on an average 75% more than the current minimum wage.
Pineapple Farm packing station employees earn, on an average 112% more than the current minimum wage.
An average farm worker wage is 82% more than the current minimum wage.
Worker Managed Savings & Loan Association
Workers have the option to save from 1% to 6% of their salary and the company matches the equivalent percentage up to a maximum of 4% of their salary. These funds are also available to workers through loans at lower than commercial interest rates.
Housing program for workers: Phase 1
One hundred and thirty seven lots developed by the company and donated to the employees based on seniority and need. With proof of ownership of titled land the employees are eligible for government subsidized construction materials and loans. First phase investment: $500,000.
Above and beyond legal provisions, the following paid days are provided for all employees:
Above and beyond Government Social Security services, the company provides:
Medical Care: Full-time company doctor available at company furnished clinics. (This program also includes worker’s family.)
Dental Care: Campany provides full-time dentist. Materials and medications are paid for by the employee through easy payroll deductions. (This program also includes worker’s family.)
Optometry: Company sponsors annual eye examinations for all company employees and their families.
Company provides training for all new employees related to all safety issues including handling of agricultural chemicals. Refresher training are held every 6 months.
Company supports Nutrition Center for the community through the underwriting of facility maintenance, food programs for children, as well as activities and educational programs. Company provides funding and maintenance for community-owned child-care center.
Soccer fields, playgrounds, basketball teams, youth programs.
A football (soccer) field has been developed in the farm and is managed by a sport committee made up of farm laborers. Uniforms and equipment are provided for the various company teams. Baseball uniforms and equipment are now being purchased for the baseball teams also organized by the employees.
Uniforms for a women’s community football team have been provided and the company now is also sponsoring community leagues for both men and women.
For workers and/or their dependents (i.e. computers, English, literacy)
We have installed and are operating a computer lab to train field staff supervisors as well as the farm’s neighboring community with emphasis on the younger members of the community.
Scholarship programs for children of workers and non-workers for Primary School, High School as well as University studies are funded based on acceptable grades.
In addition there is a separate support program for workers to study English, technical courses, High School and selected University courses.
Company provides school supplies for all workers’ children at the beginning of each year.
We take wide-ranging and constant participation in the development and advancement of local communities.
Construction of new bridges and roads to connect communities and create jobs.
Diesel donations for local municipality machinery, meals for Operators are provided to ensure maintanence of rural roads. Materials are also provided for road maintenance.
Materials and labor force provided to replace local community day-care center roof; as well as to paint and generally refurbish.
Aided with food programs for students.
Provided new desks for students and painting of public schools.
Weekly pineapple supply to schools.
Supply of cleaning implements to schools.
Provision of building materials and workforce to construct meeting rooms and renovate Catholic church.
Donated land for the construction of Villa Franca social security clinic.
Aided with chemicals and fuel for Ministry of Health local efforts to control mosquitos which transmit the dangerous Dengue disease.
Donated land (1 ha.) for the construction of Villa Franca aqueduct.
Assisted with materials to repair the beds of the jail security officers.
Economic aid for senior citizens and local community fairs.
Sponsorship of Team Rynkeby, a Nordic charity cycling team that cycles to Paris to raise money for seriously ill children each summer. Chestnut Hill Farms decided to sponsor Team Rynkeby because we feel it is appropriate to expand our social responsibility projects to the areas where our fruit is shipped, and are proud to support their effort.
Below are a few of our ongoing initiatives.
Pineapple plants after harvest leave an estimated 300 tons of pineapple material per hectare which are re-incorporated into the soil to maintain good soil structure, nutrient levels and to improve Cation exchange capacity of the soil.
Following the incorporation of organic matter into the soil, beneficial bacteria and fungi are also applied to aid in the decomposition of the OM and increase the population of beneficial microorganisms that compete with parasitic soil borne organisms and thereby reduce the use of chemical pesticides. The addition of humic acids is also done to aid in this process.
A beneficial microorganism (Bt) is also used to reduce the application of approved pesticides to control Thecla which is an insect that attacks the fruit.
We maintain over 275 hectares of forest reserve which will continue to be protected and maintained to act as a barrier between pineapple plantings and the major water sources, reduce our carbon footprint as well as to maintain the natural wildlife of the region which includes populations of 3 species of monkeys, three toed sloths, and many classes of birds such as toucans and large and rare parrots. Inhabitants also include deer and wild turkey and two jaguars have also been spotted. Within the wooded areas, the equivalent of 40 hectares of native fruit trees have been planted to provide adequate food for these creatures.
The rainfall in our farms can vary from 3,500 to 5,000 mm annually. That’s a lot of rain. That’s like pouring between 80 and 125 gallons per sq ft each year. This rain often comes hard and fast which means it’s essential to have excellent drainage. The pineapple plants are grown on raised beds to provide good drainage between rows. In addition superficial drains must be made to cross the beds in low areas to evacuate the water to larger secondary drains. If water is allowed to drain too fast, the water will begin to carry soil with it. This is known as erosion and this is a big no-no. To insure that the water does not flow too fast in the superficial drains some pineapple plants are also planted in the bottom of these drains to slow the speed of the drainage water and prevent erosion. The secondary drains are designed by topographers so they can be dug with precision so that the water flow is controlled and erosion is avoided. Grass is allowed to grow in the drains to further prevent erosion and is controlled by cutting and not by the use of herbicides.
Herbicide application after planting is done only on an as-needed basis and not with programmed blanket applications. Spot treatments are the usual form of application and the use of herbicides has been greatly reduced.
Preprogrammed applications of pesticides have been greatly reduced by programmed physical surveys of the fields to determine the real need for an application. It is then applied only if surveys indicate that there is a need.
This is our single-most important focus at Chestnut Hill Farms. Why? Because our families eat our produce day in and day out. And their safety and satisfaction is the honest and simple reason why we can guarantee everyone else’s. And it’s why we will always go above and beyond to ensure the quality and safety of our fruits and vegetables.
Food Safety Standard
Our practices follow the standards and benchmarks set forth by GLOBAL GAP, the world’s most widely accepted certification process.
GLOBALG.A.P.
The GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard covers safe and responsible farming practices for all aspects of agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, and horticulture production. The GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment of Social Practice (GRASP) is an on-farm assessment carried out at the same time as the IFA audit and aims to protect farm workers from harm and exploitation. The assessment of social practices on the farm includes aspects of workers’ health, safety, and welfare and builds on the foundations of the IFA standard. We require our suppliers of fruit products to have a valid IFA certificate and to complete a GRASP assessment with full compliance. We have met these standards continually since 2004.
The SEDEX Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) also warrants mention. SEDEX is an alliance of global brands, trade unions, and retailers that work together to improve the lives of workers in the global supply chains. The ETI base code is an internationally recognized model code for labor practices. This certification has been in place since 2008.
In addition to these two very important certifications and as further proof of our commitment, we ascribe to extemely stringent customer-driven safety certification programs that go beyond what GLOBAL GAP & SEDEX require. These include the following:
MARKS AND SPENCER’S “FIELD TO FORK”
The M&S certification focuses on reducing the level of pestcides used by its suppliers, employs practices to avoid food contamination, encourages production which benefits the environment and generally enhances the brand through rigorous food safety initiatives which embody the HACCP principles. Much emphasis is placed on strict use of only approved agricultural products through detailed audit procedures and residue analysis. It also covers labor standards and sourcing from the most sustainable sources available. This has been in place since 2009.
COSTCO ETHICAL AUDIT
This audit insures strict compliance with code of conduct and all applicable labor laws in the country where products are produced. This has been in place since 2009.
CARREFOUR – SUPPLIER AUDIT
This certification also has focus on Good Agricultural Practices, use and management of pesticides, sustainability, human relations, ethics and seeking continuous improvement. This has been in place since 2009.
TRACEABILITY
In addition, we have incorporated a meticulous traceability coding program since our inception. The purpose of the traceability code is to pinpoint with complete accuracy the precise origin and track the journey of all fruit from the time it is harvested until it reaches its final destination and is removed from the carton in which it was shipped. If the precise origin of the fruit is known, it is possible to go back to the records and obtain a detailed account as well as the timing of every individual activity that has taken place in a given area. In addition, a digital file is also maintained that offers a complete list of all activities that were carried out from planting to harvest.
At Chestnut Hill Farms we are continually striving to achieve better, safer and more earth- and employee-friendly practices. We would be glad to discuss any of our processes in greater detail and tell you what we’re trying to do to leave the world a little better than we found it.
Feel free to give us a call at 305-592-6969.
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