"In the studies and news that we analyzed, we saw how the country's wealth sources are depleted due to irresponsible use in order to obtain the maximum profit in the shortest possible time; a result of our greedy nature. Some examples of this are the biopiracy of maca between the years 2014-2015 and the fall in quinoa prices due to bad practices in 2015," says Caleb Alcalá Mercado, sales manager of the Peruvian company Elisur Organic, a producer and exporter of organic ginger and turmeric.
The company decided to analyze its ginger value chain in detail and identify where all its economic activity really started.
"We managed to understand that it all starts from agriculture as a discipline; that is, with the correct crop management, care and respect for nature, and science and culture applied to production. Nothing would be possible without agricultural producers, and knowing how important a link in the value chain they are, it is highly surprising that they are the ones profiting the least, with collectors, processors, distributors and retail stores obtaining the highest profitability. Added to this is the threat of price sensitivity in the market, which could practically put an end to the presence and prevalence of ginger producers if they fall beyond the production costs," says Caleb Alcalá.
Meeting of Elisur Organic producer partners
In order to be able to sustain ginger agriculture economically and socially, Elisur Organic has become Fair Trade certified, hand in hand with its associated producers. "Producers will now have more direct access to the market, under fair conditions, with a sustainable and quality marketing channel. This will help achieve better equity in terms of profitability between producers and the entire value chain, guaranteeing a minimum price linked to costs, an adequate profit margin and an additional percentage incentive on top of the selling price. The consumer will make voluntary decisions that will directly benefit the producer, improving their quality of life, work, education, learning or other development component."
"With this process, all participants in the value chain must be certified (producer, processor, exporter, importer, distributor and retailer), so the product is obtained with homogeneous commercial practices," says Ángel Enríquez, of the Marketing Department of Elisur Organic.
This is also linked to the Sustainable Development Goals of the WHO, which seeks, in the future, to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
"Implementing this required hard work in the follow-up, coordination and learning, but we are happy because we know that we are taking another step to make this business model sustainable. We are in talks with potential customers in Italy, the United States and Germany. Changes start with small steps," says Kristel Camargo, general manager of Elisur Oganic.
"Actually, this is a certificate for us producers. It is like a window that allows us to see and believe that there is hope in empathy and working together, not only in my country, but in the world," says Wildo Ramirez, associated producer of Elisur Organic.
For more information:
Caleb Alcalá Mercado
Sales Manager
Elisur Organic SAC
M: +51 933 130095/ 922 490 766
ventas@elisurorganic.com
www.elisurorganic.com