Over the course of seven years, we have forged a partnership with rural workers, a community that has historically been distrustful and apprehensive, having rarely been heard or included in services and initiatives. The program strategically focuses on delivering services that enhance the quality of life, job security, and peace of mind for farmworkers and their families. Simultaneously, it fosters stronger relationships among workers, producers, and local organizations.
IMPACT STRATEGY
The program’s services are framed under the four pillars of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Decent Work Agenda, who has been a strategic partner of RGC for the past two years, supporting the implementation of decent working conditions in coffee supply chains.
Promotion of Decent and Productive Employment
Wellbeing services for workers and their family members. Income stability and diversification. Community infrastructure to improve working conditions
Social Protection
Ensuring the protection and safety for workers. Restoring dignity to the workforce and participation in coop decision-making.
Respect for Fundamental Labor Rights
Promoting good and fair treatment for farmworkers. Training and recreational activities.
Social Dialog and Tripartism
Collaborative work among multiple agents in the coffee value chain.
RGC Coffee & Fair Trade USA Farmworkers Colombia Origin Project
Improving coffee farmworker conditions through an innovative pilot program in the municipality of Aguadas in Colombia.
METHODOLOGY
The project’s strategy was created using the following guiding principles:
Utilize a data-driven approach. A base line survey encompassing 118 producers and 180 workers was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the existing farmworkers conditions. Results were then disseminated among farmers and workers to assist them in designing the implementation strategy.
Listen to the workers. Farmworkers are their own protagonists and are the ones developing the solutions to their own problems.
Work collaboratively. A wide range of project partners (roaster, importer, exporter, cooperatives, NGOs, communities) is imperative in ensuring diversity of perspective and project’s continuity.
Secure long-term project financing. Guaranteed financing of 3-years offers trust and financial stability to beneficiaries.
“Workers are the protagonists of their stories and have created solutions to solve their own problems. Project implementers are simply the facilitators; workers are the solution makers.”
– Angela Pelaez, Director of Sustainability, RGC Americas
REAL IMPACT
Employing a holistic approach encompassing health, education, and working conditions, farmworkers have acquired a newfound appreciation for their roles, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the success of the entire value chain. This has resulted in improvements in work quality, leading to a positive transformation in the relationship dynamics between workers and farmers.
Discover more about our RGC 3E projects and gain deeper insights into Las Manos del Café.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
In 2021, RGC Coffee joined two Colombian-led initiatives related to climate action.
Las Manos del Café was honored as the recipient of the 2020 Specialty Coffee Association’s Project Award, acknowledging the project’s exceptional contributions to sustainability.
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In 2021, RGC continued its partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), implementing Las Manos to support their Decent Work Agenda in coffee supply chains.
