I’m currently editing three experiences of cashew / mango /
paddy growers in India who joined an organic / Fair Trade project that has
turned their lives around. Their production
techniques have improved through trainings, they are part of transparent value chains (and not
selling on spot markets), they are no longer using dangerous chemicals and
their self-confidence has increased (one
has started a plant nursery as side business). It’s part of a Swiss funded
development project that recruited 4000 cashew farmers and linked them to an
existing organic cashew processing plant that wanted to develop export links to
Europe. It’s really heartening to deal with
good news stories when the papers are so full of bad news and seemingly insurmountable
problems and obstacles. It also reminds me of the importance of buying organic and Fair Trade produce even when the price is higher. It's not just about avoiding pesticide residues or antibiotics but about having a less opportunistic, less destructive and more transparent production and trading system.
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