The International Fruit and Vegetable Alliance for Social Responsibility (AHIFORES) has continued its mission in improving working conditions and wages for Mexico’s agricultural employees through new partnerships and the creation of its first International Forum.
AIHFORES worked with the Mexican federal government to establish a forum in Mexico City that touched on issues of health, education, social security, infrastructure, working conditions and compliance with labor laws. The international forum, “From Production and Market Consolidation, To A New Social Environment”, brought producers, traders, supermarket chains, authorities, certifying entities and NGOS under one roof to contribute their ideas.
“We have to be first and foremost committed to a dialogue on improved conditions for farmworkers in Mexico in order to address the issues and find potential solutions,” said Aimee Nuñez, director of AHIFORES. “While dialogue is a key step, we also need to create a path to action and ensure that the country’s agriculture industry is committed to supporting these activities.”
AHIFORES announced not only a partnership with the National Agricultural Council (CNA) but also its support for field workers in Mexico alongside the CNA. Mexico’s fruit and vegetable sector has experienced substantial growth in the past 20 years, with exports exceeding $500 million in revenue. More than 1.4 million new agricultural employment opportunities were also generated in Mexico in 2016, alone.
Participating organizations at this initial forum included: AARC, Agricola El Toro, Aneberries, APEAM, APHYM, Berrymex, CAADES-CIDH, CABC, CEAG, CAN, Del Campo, Fair Trade USA, Fresh Produce, Association of the Americas, Grupo Alta, Hortifrut, Mastronardi Produce, Nature Sweet, Star Produce, STPS, Sustentus, Televisa, Tesco, The City of Mexico D.F., Union Leader, United Fresh Produce Association, Walmart, Wonderful Citrus.
Representatives from these groups discussed implementing new guidelines for the agricultural sector that examine how the demand for fruits and vegetables is met, as opposed to simply meeting the market’s demands without worker welfare considerations.
“The continued development and growth of the agricultural sectors must be met with improved environmental and well-being conditions,” said CNA President Bosco De La Vega.
AHIFORES will continue its pursuit of improving agriculture worker conditions for Mexican laborers by directly educating produce brands, growers and support companies that operate across Mexico.
Contact:
Sara Villalobos
Tel: +52-1-55-52-46-0100 ext.240