4 producer organisations from Brazil, producing orange juice, are currently FLO certified. Some of the member farms are organically certified, others are in the process of conversion from conventional to organic farming. Workers on non-Fairtrade orange farms are usually employed on a temporary basis (day to day), without legal registration. Some contracting of temporary workers is done by organisational structures, the so-called “condominhos”. FLO requests the registration of workers through these “condominhos”. The workers receive social security and salaries above minimum wage through the “condominhos”, which in their return receive payment from the producers.

The FLO certified co-operatives have established several projects from the Fairtrade premium, a bonus on sales that can be spent on joint community projects. Coagrasol, a FLO certified co-operative based in the region of São Paulo, provided computer courses for its workers’ children. They also implemented an illiteracy program for workers and their family. People between 23 and 62 years old have attended classes, which are provided in the evening. Moreover, once per month children of the region are being weighed to overcome malnourishment. With the help of the Fairtrade premium, Coagrasol implemented a nutrition program, supporting those in need of nutrition. Children from the area, who are not related to the workers or farmers can also benefit from the projects offered by Coagrasol.

Several producers from FLO certified Cealnor, based in the region Bahia, say that thanks to the Fairtrade logo, they have an opportunity to sell their orange juice concentrate to the international market, receiving better prices. Before, they sold their oranges to intermediaries who often cheated the producers by saying that they had never received any oranges. The producers had an unstable income and uncertain future. Nowadays, the extra money received for their Fairtrade certified produce, plus the Fairtrade premium has contributed to a better life for many. In addition, most farmers say they receive recognition and feel much more appreciated ever since they joined Cealnor. They participate in the marketing and commercialisation of their produce and take part in the decision-making process of the co-operative. From the Fairtrade premium received they have for instance invested in equipment to make a multi mixture consisting of significant nutrients and vitamins to supply undernourished children from 0 to 6 years old. Some wives of the producers prepare and supply the children with the mixture of different types of flours, dried leaves, seeds and maize. The mixture is also sold in supermarkets in Bahia, which is one of the poorest regions of Brazil and where many children are malnourished.

The members of Apaco, a co-operative based in the region Santa Catarina, have invested in equipment and conversion to organic produce through the Fairtrade benefits and the Fairtrade premium. Some of the Fairtrade premium money was donated to the local boarding school for girls. This boarding school is specifically meant for girls coming from difficult family situations. Alongside the regular educational program, the girls receive psychological support in the form of games and therapy.

Worker’s quotes:
Elidiane Percion, 22 years
Works since one year as a picker for Acipar, FLO certified co-operative in the Paraná region.
“It is much better to work for Acipar, I have now free access to dentists and to medical doctors; registration gives me security. Through registration I can also take cooking and sewing lessons. It helps me to built a better future.”


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