This September, Itaueira, Brazilian producer of the REI and CEPI melons, received the Rainforest Alliance certificate after a detailed audit of all of
its properties. Products with this label come from farms with strict environmental and social standards, designed to conserve wildlife, soil and water, preserve the environment, protect their workers, their families and local communities and improve their quality of life.
Being the first South American production company to obtain such certification, Itaueira has cherished social and environmental responsibility in their farms for a long time.
According to Adriana Prado, International Marketing Manager, the
company actively participates in social and environmental issues of the municipalities where it operates and is an example for other Brazilian producers on how to produce sustainably, both socially and in relation to
the protection of the environment. "All our melons and watermelons, with all brands, from all farms of Piauí, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte are now certified by Rainforest Alliance." She says.
To receive the Rainforest Alliance certification, the farm needs to go
through a chain of custody verification process (CoC) aimed at ensuring
the credibility of the Rainforest Alliance Certified trademark and related
statements by certified companies. The rules of this system are on the
frontier of innovation for a sustainable world agriculture. Support the
producer in the continuous improvement of property management,
increasing efficiency and productivity, compliance with environmental and labor legislation, conservation of natural resources and ensuring the rights and well-being of rural workers. Among the issues assessed are
maintaining or increasing coverage by trees and soil quality and prevent
erosion, reduced use of chemicals and ensure the well-being of its workers and their families, facilitating access to education and health services.
Adriana says that this certification is the confirmation that the way Itaueira spontaneously chose to grow their melons and mini
watermelons REI is in accordance with nature respect, valuing the
preservation and consideration to human and wildlife and the zeal to produce and market the fruits with the highest quality and safety. "For us, this is the proof that we are on the right track in pursuit of constant
improvement," adds the executive.
Process continuity
To keep the right to continue the use of this seal, the company will
routinely be submitted to surprise audits, attesting that Itaueira has
maintained continuity in established parameters and worked for the
constant improvement of its procedures.
Producing melons and mini watermelons sold using the brands REI, CEPI
and Dunort, Itaueira develops its own method of planting, including what is most modern in terms of soil preparation techniques, planting, irrigation, fertilization, harvest and post-harvest, cleaning and staff
training, adopting wherever possible the use of agricultural mechanization, to produce the most tasty melon for the domestic and international markets.
The Social Sustainability and the preservation of the environment have
always been constant searches and the goal is to produce the most delicious fruit to top clients in niche markets.
Itaueira has farms in the states of Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Bahia, all in Northeast Brazil and produces all year long, only selling their own production.
Itaueira's main market is Brazil, but the company also exports to Chile,
Argentina, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Russia and the Middle East.
For more information:
Adriana Prado
Tel: +55 85 4008.9113