Citrusdal Cellars
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Citrusdal Cellars plays a large role in the wine industry in South Africa’s Western Cape region. The Cellar is a cooperative made up of 78 local farming members. Under Fair Trade guidelines, farmers are guaranteed a minimum price for their grapes which is used to pay workers fair and consistent wages.
An additional Fair Trade premium is paid to the Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO) certified farms, which is given directly to the workers. The workers vote on how to spend the additional income collectively in an effort to improve their living conditions. In the past, workers have used the money to build common rooms, improve housing and create education funds.
Over the last 30 years, Citrusdal Cellars has been committed to improving the quality of life of the local communities involved in the production of their wines. The Cellar supports the local, worker-run Community Development Association that creates programs and courses for Citrusdal Cellars’ workers as well as members of disadvantaged communities in the region.
Together with Etica and one other European Fair Trade organization, Citrusdal Cellars makes financial contributions to the CDA by means of donations based on wine sales. These funds are used for development initiatives, as well as community based projects. Leadership programs, management courses, personal growth and cultural development are but a few of the initiatives of this local association of volunteers.
Programs include:
• Identifying and training community leaders to initiate and facilitate future community programs
• Life-skills courses for adult men and women
• First Aid training
• Training community health workers
• Junior leadership courses for entry level supervisors
• Business seminars for experienced supervisors
• Developing a choir festival for competing choirs of local businesses and farm choirs
• Social sport teams and competitions
• HIV/AIDS education
• Creating women support networks
• Funding seven child care facilities |
