Fairtrade signs contract with SIF

The St.Vincent and the Grenadines Social Investment Fund (SVGSIF) has joined the fight to have local farmers Globalgap certified.{{more}}

Last week, the SVGSIF signed a contract with the National Fairtrade Organisation for the construction of 282 toilets and 519 lunch facilities. This falls under a national project undertaken by the National Fair Trade Organisation in collaboration with the SVGSIF that will be executed at a cost of EC$815, 350.

President of NFTO Philemon Allen said that over the past year the organisation faced several challenges with preparing farmers for the certification process. He said it was “a struggle to raise funds” and commended the SVGSIF for promptly responding to the call for assistance.

“A lot of farmers will feel that there are people there for their assistance,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SVGSIF Bentley Browne said he was pleased the project had reached the stage of signing the contract for its implementation.

The National Fair Trade Organisation represents Fairtrade farmers in the North Windward, Central Windward, South Central Windward, Central and Leeward zones. 640 farmers will benefit from the project.

The project started on March 20, 2009, and should end September 19, 2009.

It is necessary for the farmers to be Globalgap certified to continue selling bananas to Europe.