MA’s Kitchen supports Fairtrade to improve farmer livelihoods
View(s):MA’s Kitchen, one of the country’s top food processors, has highlighted the importance of continuously supporting and integrating Fairtrade practices to create better livelihoods in recognition of World Fair Trade Day.
A Spice farmer with a solar panel donated by a MA’s Kitchen customer.
As the proud recipient of the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation’s Fairtrade Certification, MA’s Kitchen is certified for processing fairtrade materials and manufactures fairtrade certified coconut milk, curry pastes and other food ingredients for consumers around the globe, the company said in a media release.
Not only does the endorsement ensure the company follows rigid certification requirements but guarantees not only that the farmers receive a minimum price above costs to ensure sustainable production, but an additional Fairtrade premium is also pledged to the farmer organisations for development activities.
In the past year, MA’s Kitchen had facilitated over Rs 2 million in Fairtrade premiums to their supplier farmer organisation showcasing the company’s commitment to fair prices and a sustainable working environment.
The company has guided the formation of the Sustainable Agri Farm Enterprise Network (SAFENET), a network of over 100 farmers in the south and central parts of Sri Lanka who are also Fairtrade certified and with the company’s assistance carry OUT Fairtrade practices.
MA’s Foods has also been successful in mobilising their customers towards the ethos of fairtrade.
One of the company’s longest-standing customer recently donated solar panels to some of its supplier spice farmers in the Matale district. These solar panels ensure the farmers receive continuous electricity supply reducing their daily costs and reliance on fossil fuels and also providing a safer light source in some hard to reach areas that the farmers work in, the release said.