Producer Profiles
Sheena Flowers
Sheena Flowers is part of the multi-estate company Southern Roses that is comprised of 6 farms around the capital Harare. At the moment only Sheena is certified, but the company hopes to bring more of its branches into the Fair Trade system. Sheena has been part of the Fair Trade market since 2008; it currently employs 60 workers.
Today, much of what we hear about Zimbabwe is news on due to their ongoing economic and political crises. However, during Fair Trade partner FLO’s latest visit to the flower farms of Zimbabwe, African Regional Coordinator, Benjamin Cousins reports that the country appears to have significant infrastructure and a dynamic population. The situation is not idyllic though; there is an ongoing and significant economic crisis. Unemployment is one of the main problems facing the people of Zimbabwe.
Economic investment can and does play a part in changing the situation and that is why Fair Trade is so important for Zimbabwean flower farms. The financial situation is quite critical for most flower farms in the country and specifically for Fair Trade farms as their costs are higher to produce products according to strict environmental standards. Protective equipment for workers and alternative agricultural inputs (because Fair Trade prohibits the most dangerous pesticides and chemicals on Fair Trade farms) mean that Zimbabwean companies invest much more in their product and in their worker safety than the typical conventional farm. Through Fair Trade flower purchasing, flower workers at Sheena and at other Zimbabwean Fair Trade farms earn fair wages and are guaranteed fair working conditions. In addition, premiums from Fair Trade flower sales allow workers to implement projects like emergency funds and school support campaigns.
This information is courtesy of Fair Trade Labeling International's Regional Producer Services Coordinator for Africa, Ben Cousins.
Today, much of what we hear about Zimbabwe is news on due to their ongoing economic and political crises. However, during Fair Trade partner FLO’s latest visit to the flower farms of Zimbabwe, African Regional Coordinator, Benjamin Cousins reports that the country appears to have significant infrastructure and a dynamic population. The situation is not idyllic though; there is an ongoing and significant economic crisis. Unemployment is one of the main problems facing the people of Zimbabwe.
Economic investment can and does play a part in changing the situation and that is why Fair Trade is so important for Zimbabwean flower farms. The financial situation is quite critical for most flower farms in the country and specifically for Fair Trade farms as their costs are higher to produce products according to strict environmental standards. Protective equipment for workers and alternative agricultural inputs (because Fair Trade prohibits the most dangerous pesticides and chemicals on Fair Trade farms) mean that Zimbabwean companies invest much more in their product and in their worker safety than the typical conventional farm. Through Fair Trade flower purchasing, flower workers at Sheena and at other Zimbabwean Fair Trade farms earn fair wages and are guaranteed fair working conditions. In addition, premiums from Fair Trade flower sales allow workers to implement projects like emergency funds and school support campaigns.
This information is courtesy of Fair Trade Labeling International's Regional Producer Services Coordinator for Africa, Ben Cousins.
Quotable
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It's different because there is the premium and the revolving fund [created with the premium and managed by the Joint Body]. We also have better protective clothing here so my health has improved. Thanks to the boots we have there are no more cracks in my feet. The gloves also prevent me from being hurt by spikes. ” Charity Guyayama & Canissious Chiromba
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Programs
Funds for funeral expenses for workers' families
A funeral fund was developed to ensure that workers and their families were covered for funeral expenses in case of an emergency.
Funding for books and supplies for community children
Stationary for the children in the community was purchased to provide the students with the necessary tools for their education. Books were also purchased for 2 nearby schools of the community.
