Finding sufficient workers can be a challenge in greenhouse cultivation, but working conditions are also often the talk of the town. NatureSweet has been active in the industry in North America for 30 years and has a clear vision.
The company is committed to transforming an industry that has historically not always put its employees first. An example of this is how NatureSweet has created income security for its workers in Mexico by paying them more than double the minimum wage.
“They earn nearly 40% more than the average wage of a farm worker in Mexico and approximately 25% more than the average wage of our top competitors. Employees at NatureSweet also have the opportunity to earn up to 300% in bonus compensation,” says Lori Castillo , Vice President of Global Marketing at NatureSweet.
NatureSweet has also reduced illiteracy within the company by offering educational programs so that employees can learn to read and write and obtain a primary or secondary education diploma. “By the end of 2023, more than 2,000 employees will have benefited from the program. We recently conducted a bachelor’s degree program in which 30 employees will have the opportunity to obtain a university degree in agricultural sciences,” he says.
They also supported an employee-managed fund (known as the Fair Trade Premium) that generates millions of dollars annually and supports community development initiatives such as better education, access to quality healthcare services, housing, development projects and other basic services such as dental care. “Before the program, 70% of employees had not received dental care. The program provided employees with access to care from dental hygienists and dentists. The program also includes vouchers that allow family members to access dental care in their local community.”
There is also nutritional advice and healthy eating. “Dietitians provide nutritional counseling and monthly meal plans. The fund also led to the creation of a food pantry full of nutritious options that employees can easily access.” Eye care is also a point of attention. “40% of employees and their family members suffered from visual problems and did not have access to eye care due to the high costs. Thanks to the program, employees receive free eye exams and glasses.”
Investing in mental health care is also a point of attention. The company provides psychologists at each production location to provide one-on-one therapy sessions. “We also have multi-month programs that teach self-improvement topics ranging from personal development to parenting, communication and problem solving.”
NatureSweet’s programs were so successful that the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) featured the company in a sustainability case study. It was also a success among the employees: NatureSweet has a monthly turnover of only 1%.
Investing in people is investing in the business
“We invest money in our people and they take pride in looking after our fruit and vegetables. There is a misconception in the industry. It’s not ‘How can we be profitable if we do this?’, but ‘We are profitable precisely because we do this’. That’s our business model and there’s no conflict. Because we pay more and offer better incentives, we have the best people in the industry. And because we have the best people in the industry, we have best product and a superior brand. Our employees know what to do in terms of quality and safety. They know our products,” says Rodolfo Spielmann, chairman and CEO of NatureSweet.
In 2023, NatureSweet became the largest Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company in the world to achieve B Corporation™ (B Corp) certification. This certificate means that the company is recognized for meeting strict standards in the areas of social and environmental performance, responsibility and transparency. In concrete terms: fair pay for all employees, safe working conditions including good training, regardless of level, transparent communication, community involvement (NatureSweet invests in the local communities where it operates, because by nature it is not a company that travels to other places searches), etc.
“By addressing labor issues in a comprehensive manner, we demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our employees, the environment and a broader commitment.”
The story of Magaly Alfaro Avalos
But numbers and intentions don’t actually mean much. So let’s put it to the test with an employee testimonial.
For harvest worker Magaly Alfaro Avalos, the work and benefits allowed her to buy a house, keep her job despite three 82-day maternity leaves, and earn a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences (fully funded by the company).
According to this mother of three, her family and community are counting on her. This job, which prioritizes her health and well-being, provides her with a fair wage, and values her skills and intellect, allows her to not only care for them but also help them move forward in life.
“I wouldn’t have been able to live this life without the support, pay and opportunities I received at NatureSweet,” said Avalos. “This job has changed my life and that of my family for the better.”
“After completing her bachelor’s degree in 2023, Avalos aims to continue to grow within the company and take on supervisory roles. But Avalos’ story is really just one example of what happens when companies invest in their people, and We are very proud of our achievements to date and we will continue to invest in our employees going forward.”
For more information:
NatureSweet
www.naturesweet.com