There is a possibility that Saint Lucia banana growers, operating under the Fairtrade brand, could benefit financially from the collapse of WinFresh. Still, the National Fair Trade Organization Saint Lucia Inc. (NFTOSL) is not in the optimal position at this point in time, as it is in need of cash to pay several growers this week.
WinFresh, the Windward Islands based company which primary activity was the sale and marketing of Fairtrade bananas originating from the four Windward Islands, went into administration last year.
"For 22 weeks we did not receive any money from WinFresh for fruit exported. We were promised payment by WinFresh's management which never came, only to find out later that the exporter, WinFresh, was experiencing major financial challenges," Eustace Monrose, Chairman of the NFTOSL, told thevoiceslu.com.
He said that in the absence of payments from WinFresh, the NFTOSL used up all its resources, including reserves, to pay farmers on a weekly basis.
Although farmers have yet to be paid for their fruits this week things could be looking up for them. As explained by an optimistic Monrose, the NFTOSL, as a private limited company, embarked on strategic decisions taken by its Board of Directors, which resulted in a relationship being forged with Sustainable Agricultural Supplies for continuity of trade.
"A contract for the remaining four months was signed between the two parties. During that time we studied the mechanics of the trade, established contacts with the supermarkets and ripeners and have been able to secure contracts with the supermarkets," Monrose said, an initiative which government supported.
However at the end of December, the contract was not renewed but the two parties had a cordial meeting prior to the end of the contract to impart the information of the non-renewal of the contract.
