Producer Profiles

Bananeras de Urabá - Mi Tierra, Madrigal, Tagua, Cantares...

Bananeras de Urabá is a banana export company located in the tropical northwest region of Colombia and comprised of six Fair Trade Certified™ farms. Founded in 1963, Bananeras de Urabá has experienced many highs and lows due to numerous domestic conflicts and unstable regimes. Since Fair Trade certification in 2005, the association has focused its efforts on developing social and environmental programs for its workers and families. As a result, workers have better access to international markets, educational institutions and sustainable farming methods. Basic necessities such as clean running water and electricity were scarce before, but Fair Trade premiums have now helped workers access more funds to rebuild their homes, send their children to school and save for future investments.
 

Quotable

“

I received the new house in October 2011, which has signified a 100 percent shift in my family’s life. My labor has also seen positive changes mostly because I am freer from debt – having to pay $250 USD in rent before, where as now I pay the corporation $96 USD a month until my loan is paid. Each month I feel my house is more my own and now, all I have to worry about is utilities. Before, I used to live in the same neighborhood but in a dorm style environment. The apartment I paid for had two rooms and there was no privacy. The kitchen and dining areas were part of the same room. Now we have a comfortable home; everything is separated and more commodities are available; these changes mean a lot to us.”  ”

Anderson de Jesús López Solera, Bananeras de Urabá
“

The results today are very good because they allow me to invest in other ways, such as in our new fast food establishment, a nice dining room set for my family and a bicycle for my eldest daughter to attend school. It has also helped me support my only son that lives in the city of Medellín  ”

Alex Darío Velásquez Hernández, Bananeras de Uraba
“

On behalf of myself and my family, I’d like to thank Fair Trade and Bananeras de Urabá for changing our way of life. Thanks to Fair Trade I have overcome many difficulties. Fair Trade has given me the joy of going to college and participating in a diploma program which led to my promotion into our management team. I started as an entry level worker and eventually moved to the quality inspection department. Recently, I was given the opportunity to become coordinator of the packing plant at the Mi Tierra Farm, one of the largest in the company. My family and I now have a beautiful home and many amenities. Through Bananeras de Urabá and Fair Trade our dreams have become a reality.  ”

Hugo Herrera Fernel, Packing Supervisor

Programs

Music Program

The organization donated musical instruments to the “Sounds of Peace” youth community program. So far, workers claim the group’s music has reached the ears of 25,000 people through concerts and other activities. They hope to promote community, peace and harmony through music.

Scholarships & School Fees

Bananeras de Uraba has taken the initiative to investe Fair Trade premiums in scholarships for 407 students who are pursuing technological careers in the area of Urabá as well as different parts of the country.

Skill Development for Women

In collaboration with SENA, Bananeras de Urabá is training women in an urban development program. Women have learned how to bake bread and cakes in addition to selling fried “empanadas” as a means to generate additional income. The results of this program have led the organization to invest in more training sessions teaching women how to form their own businesses.