Mexico: Giumarra asparagus grower becomes fair trade certified
The partnership between the Giumarra Companies and the Borquez family is a vertically-integrated operation that grows, packs, and distributes asparagus grown in Mexico to the North American market.
The company has additional global alliances that, in conjunction with Mexico, provide a year-round supply for its customers. The asparagus is packed under the Nature’s Partner label.Mr. Pablo Borquez of Campo Pablo Borquez was recently certified by Fair Trade USA and is currently the only asparagus grower in North America to be Fair Trade Certified.
"We are pleased to be working with Pablo Borquez, who recently became the first Fair Trade Certified asparagus grower in the world. American consumers want to make a difference with their purchases, and forward-thinking growers like Borquez are providing more delicious options to contribute toward a better world," says Paul Rice, president and CEO of Fair Trade USA.
In 1994, Mr. Borquez and his family began developing projects to benefit the local community in the areas of housing, education, and health.
"Pablo is highly regarded for all the work he does to enrich his community," says Bruce Dowhan, general manager of Giumarra Borquez. "We are proud that Fair Trade USA has recognized his efforts as we continue to grow our asparagus program."
The Borquez family created the Borquez Schwarzbeck Foundation in 2006. This philanthropic organization continues the family’s charitable efforts and supports rural communities adjacent to the fields where Campo Pablo Borquez operates. Some of the foundation’s projects include constructing two community centers and supplying potable water to approximately 15,000 local residents.
"It is through our foundation that we have discovered how to operate in a professional, efficient manner that also improves the lives of our coworkers and their families," says Mr. Borquez. "We look forward to working with Fair Trade USA to further our efforts."
Campo Pablo Borquez is the second Giumarra grower to become Fair Trade Certified. Mr. Borquez is joined by the Salazar family, who grows grapes and watermelon in Sonora, Mexico.
For more information:
Megan Schulz
The Giumarra Companies
Tel: +52 213.627.2900
Fax: +52 213.628.4878
[email protected]
www.giumarra.com
www.naturespartner.com