Category: News

 

At AlterNativa3, in the current health crisis, we are closely monitoring the impact of this pandemic on the fair trade cooperatives with which we collaborate in countries of the global south.

AlterNativa3 maintains a close relationship with the Nicaraguan cooperative COMULACS, Cooperativa Multisectorial Augusto Cesar Sandino, with whom we have carried out different social projects for community development in the El Tuma-La Dalia region of Nicaragua.

From there, we have received news about the adaptation measures they have had to take to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, in this case, to keep one of the projects, the School Gardens project, going. To this end, they have sent us their "Emergency plan for the School Gardens Project II PHASE, in view of the possible suspension of classes in schools as a preventive measure against the spread of CORONAVIRUS".

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To implement the project "SCHOOL BEDS II PHASE" in the proposed schools, taking into account the preventive measures recommended by national and international health organisations to avoid the spread of the CORONAVIRUS.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

To continue the teaching-learning processes from the practices, elaboration and execution of school gardens, with a humane and responsible attitude without putting the student population at risk.

INTRODUCTION

Los Huertos Escolares producen alimentos saludables para los estudiantes. Complementan la Merienda Escolar y aportan vitaminas y minerales. Contribuyen al buen desarrollo físico, motor e intelectual de niñas y niños.
Ante esta realidad, la Cooperativa Multisectorial Augusto Cesar Sandino (COMULACS) y el Ministerio de Educación (MINED), delegación Tuma La Dalia, hemos consensuado continuar la producción de alimentos. Esto nos motiva a cumplir el convenio firmado para elaborar y ejecutar Huertos Escolares en diez centros educativos de este municipio.

Nuestro objetivo como cooperativas de Comercio Justo es aportar conocimientos técnicos y prácticos para su elaboración. También buscamos despertar en cada estudiante el interés de aplicarlos en sus hogares. Así conocerán cuánto y cómo los huertos enriquecen la Merienda Escolar que consumen a diario. Además, ayudan a reducir el costo económico de la alimentación.

Nos comprometemos a ejecutar los huertos sin alterar las medidas de prevención y reducción del impacto del COVID-19.

Ante la pandemia del Coronavirus, seguimos las medidas de prevención para evitar su propagación. Como cooperativa de Comercio Justo, mantenemos el compromiso de producir alimentos sanos y saludables para niñas y niños. Por ello, presentamos el “Plan Remedial para el Proyecto de Huertos Escolares II Fase”. Este plan contempla la posible suspensión de clases presenciales como medida de prevención ante el Coronavirus. Procuramos que los huertos logren todos los objetivos y beneficios deseados por las cooperativas de Comercio Justo y el MINED.

PROPOSALS

If, as a precautionary measure, the Nicaraguan government decides to suspend classes, we will carry out the work in the following manner:
Field work and training in schools.

Work on the school gardens with the mother and father; provide physical documents to the participants (group of children, mothers and fathers who will be in the different groups that will be formed) in order to document themselves on the procedure of school gardens (how to set up, different varieties, garden behaviour, advantages and disadvantages, putting into practice fair trade values and gender equity).

In the process of carrying out the work in the garden, create working groups with the children, mothers, fathers and promoters that do not exceed 4 people.

Establish a schedule of activities and specific days for groups of 2 children and 2 adults, one promoter or scholarship holder.

Parents and students who live closest to the school will be selected to avoid long distances to be transported.

The groups will work on a rotational basis so that everyone can be included, documents will be given to all children who are included in the process of forming school gardens.

Take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of CORONAVIRUS:
Hand washing, use of alcohol, use of masks, keeping the recommended distance.

In terms of Project Budget Execution, we have targeted the following measures.

The promoters and trainers will travel by motorbike to the orchard site, as the Ministry of Health (MINSA) has declared that one of the places with the highest risk of contagion is public transport.
The reports, reports and justification of expenses will be done from home and we will share all the information with each other via email or WhatsApp.
Evaluations of the work for follow-up purposes will be carried out as far as possible if only the trainers and the coordinator are present.

Scholarship Component:

Most of the students benefiting from scholarships are university students. So far no university has suspended classes.

If face-to-face classes are discontinued and delivered online, we will encourage everyone to join in virtual classes.

Desde AlterNativa3, en la situación de crisis sanitaria actual, seguimos muy de cerca la afectación de esta pandemia en las organizaciones de Comercio Justo con las que colaboramos en países del sur global.

CLAC (Coordinadora Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Pequeños/as Productores/as y Trabajadores/as de Comercio Justo) is the co-owner of the Fairtrade International system and the network representing all Faitrade certified organisations in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as other Fairtrade organisations.

CLAC's mission is to represent and promote the interests, empowerment and development of its members and their communities. It currently has more than 900 member organisations in 24 countries in the continent.

Gilbert Ramírez, coordinator of CLAC, sends us the following report on the situation of the organisations represented in Latin America and the Caribbean:

22 April 2020

In recent days, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread widely in South America and the United States, which has already become the new epicentre as the country with the highest number of reported cases worldwide. The pandemic continues to affect Latin America and the Caribbean, where more than 65,000 cases were reported as of 14 April.

Brazil is the country with the most reported cases, followed by Peru, Chile and Ecuador. In addition, a significant number of cases have been reported in Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Governments in almost all countries have taken strict measures to prevent the spread of the disease, suspending all activities with mass gatherings, imposing quarantines, limiting the movement of citizens and allowing only essential work activities, closing borders, imposing curfews, among other measures.

To date, 30 days of special measures have been reached in most Latin American and Caribbean countries and most governments have decided to extend quarantine and curfews for another 15-30 days.

Monday's sharp fall in WTI oil prices will also have an impact on the economies of the region where some countries are oil producers.

Governments in most countries (except Nicaragua) will maintain strict disease prevention measures, such as quarantines and curfews, including the closure of industries and economic activities, until the end of April. However, some authorities are considering restarting some activities in May to lessen the economic impact.

Brazil has a political crisis that accentuates the effect of the pandemic, as the president is more concerned about the economy and has not decreed preventive measures, while local authorities (state governors and municipalities) have called on the population to stay at home and keep a social distance. Brazil has reached 40,000 cases.

The Mexican government has declared that the country has entered phase 3 of the pandemic: epidemiological status, in which cases will increase in the coming weeks.

Nicaragua, Belize, Haiti, Paraguay, El Salvador and Jamaica are the countries with the fewest cases of COVID-19 in the LAC region.

PROYECCIÓN ECONÓMICA DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES

The World Bank and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) have published reports predicting that the region's economy will be hard hit by the crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as prevention measures have resulted in the stoppage of major economic activities for most countries.

The World Bank predicts that Latin America and the Caribbean will experience a recession with regional GDP falling by 4.6% in 2020. There will be a drop in revenues generated by industries such as tourism, services, trade and transport, as well as remittances, which are very relevant for the economies of the countries in the region.

ECLAC projects a reduction in exports due to the decline in the economic activities of the main trading partners for Latin America and the Caribbean (United States, Europe and China). There will also be a fall in commodity prices, supply chain disruptions and worsening global financial conditions, all of which will have a major impact on the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean.

There will be job losses that will have a negative impact on the economies of the region. The temporary closure and suspension of activities will affect the income of small and medium-sized enterprises, which may be forced to close or lay off employees. Small enterprises generate about 47% of jobs in the region. In addition, there are high rates of people working in the informal sector who have no social protection.

SITUATION OF MIGRANTS IN THE REGION

The migrant population is particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic. Many migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean are in the United States and have become one of the most vulnerable groups, as they do not seek medical care for fear of deportation. In addition, hundreds of migrants travelling through Mexico to reach the United States are in very vulnerable conditions.

Haitian migrants working in the Dominican Republic were unable to return to Haiti because the borders have been closed since 18 March. Migrants working in rural areas survive thanks to the solidarity of the people because, as they have no documents, they cannot apply for the aid that the government is providing to the poorest families.

Fairtrade certified organisations in the DR have taken preventive measures for migrant workers, and are also providing them with food donations. At CLAC we are creating information materials in Creole to be distributed in banana and cocoa plantations.

Nicaraguans in Costa Rica also face vulnerable situations and in recent weeks there has been a return of around 20,000 people to Nicaragua.

STATUS OF FAIR TRADE ORGANISATIONS

Most Fair Trade organisations in Latin America have taken preventive measures promoted by the governments of each country and continue to work with fewer staff and shifts in the production and preparation of products for export. Administrative staff are teleworking.

Exports continue in most countries and products, but have slowed down due to procedural requirements and the availability of containers and local transport. Movement of products from one region to another within some countries is a challenge due to mobility restrictions. The sector most affected to date is flower producers, as we have recorded layoffs of producer organisations in Ecuador.

COFFEE

There are restrictions on working in the fields, but many workers continue their activities. Administrative staff are teleworking and there are fewer staff on the farms and processing centres, and coffee picking has been reduced. One of the challenges is that technical assistance cannot now be provided to producers because technicians cannot go to the farms and processing plants.

Demand for coffee remains high, however, in many countries there are challenges with shipments, as there is a lack of containers and priority is given to shipping fresh food. In addition, government offices have reduced their working hours, so export procedures will be slower.

Producer organizations expect to maintain contracts for their staff. One of the measures considered in medium to long term terms is to use the Fairtrade Premium as savings to pay salaries in the coming months.

In South American countries, the harvest is just beginning, and producers will work with local pickers who can be transported to coffee farms. Social distancing requires fewer people to work on farms in shifts, and working hours are reduced to ensure the health of workers and coffee growers. Production costs will increase.

On the other hand, in Central American countries, the harvest of the 2019/2020 cycle has ended and producers are focusing on maintaining coffee farms and preparing them for the next production cycle.

Most SPOs have already sold their coffee, no contract cancellations have been reported and deliveries have been made, as planned between SPOs and buyers. Prices are currently on an upward trend; however, the market is extremely volatile, which means a high risk for SPOs.

COCOAO

Cocoa production in most countries remains normal, with challenges in obtaining the necessary workforce for cocoa harvesting in some countries, due to mobility restrictions for working in the fields. They are also teleworking with fewer staff in plantations and processing centres as a precautionary measure.

In some countries, cocoa production has been low or not as good as in previous years, due to climate change.

With regard to cocoa marketing, the process is proceeding normally. On the other hand, some countries are facing delays in their orders, obstacles to export in closed ports and customs. In a couple of cases, orders have been cancelled, due to delays caused by climate change. It is important to mention that this week there has been an increase in demand for cocoa volumes, and especially for FT and FTO cocoa.

In the countries of the Andean region (Ecuador and Peru) the harvest has just started, as well as in the Dominican Republic. One of the challenges in the Dominican Republic is that there are fewer workers available for the harvest due to mobility restrictions, but despite this, no delays in cocoa harvesting are expected. In Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, the harvest has been completed and for many PPOs it has been a good harvest this year. The challenge now lies in harvesting cocoa and farm maintenance for many countries.

Although last week cocoa prices were below the minimum; both demand and price have increased. It is worth mentioning that demand for FT cocoa is stable, therefore prices remain high, and we expect this to continue in the coming weeks. There was a drop in price and demand before COVID-19 in LAC, but the situation has improved in recent days because the industry is perceiving that there will be less product available in the coming months and is stockpiling as long as possible. Overall, no negative effects have yet been recorded for this product.

SUGAR

All producing countries have full or partial mobility restrictions, which limits the operations of the PPOs. There is a major impact because producers have been left without processing sugar cane and therefore without liquidity.

Due to the quarantine in some countries, the PPOs have not received technical assistance and production control has not been adequately maintained.

Contracts signed at the beginning of the year have been maintained; there are no new sales. Export processes continue, but slowly.

In the Andean region, the PPOs produce panela all year round. Currently, they have harvested 25% of the estimated amount. However, in April all operations have stopped. The lack of sugar cane processing creates a delay in the agricultural calendar and there is a possibility that producers will not be able to meet deliveries of panela for local and external markets.

In the Central American PPOs, the harvest has reached 80% of production, estimated at 110,000 tonnes of sugar. Sugar SPOs in El Salvador and Costa Rica are finishing the harvest, giving confidence to the market. However, all the SPOs face limited labour to cut cane, which increases production costs. In the Central American SPOs, the harvest has reached 80% of production, estimated at 110,000 tonnes of sugar. However, all the SPOs face limited labour to cut cane, which increases production costs.

In the Caribbean, organisations have completed 45% of the harvest. There is a delay in harvesting in Belize, and the PPOs have completed 40% of the harvest so far. Cuban and Jamaican PPOs have finished harvesting and are assisting farms and supporting communities in different areas, especially with food supplies.

The reference price for white sugar (LDN) and raw commodity sugar (NY) collapsed. In Paraguay, there is only organic production, so the reference prices did not affect them; although there is a doubt among producers because there is no minimum price for sugar. Panela PPOs have a favourable market expectation.

PPOs have a short-term priority of harvesting sugar cane, but have suspended key programmes and services for their members and their communities. Their service has gone from personalised to electronic, which opens the door to unemployment in the future. Budgets are not sufficient and they have to adapt to the new times, and there is also the risk of not getting loans from financial or state entities.

The LAC region estimates (2020) to produce: 355 MT of sugar -35% organic. The sugar cane industry has been classified by governments as an essential industry and PPOs are operating in Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean region, and is expected to have the same treatment in the southern countries where the start of harvesting is being discussed and could start at the end of May or June/July.

The London (white sugar) and New York (raw sugar) stock exchanges both show downward trends, reaching US $ 250 x MT (20/04/20). The stock exchange prices are used by producers and buyers as a benchmark because there is no minimum price for sugar. Organic sugar is detached from this dynamic, which affects trading. Falling oil prices and sugar and beet production are putting pressure on prices.

USE OF THE FAIRTRADE PREMIUM

In recent weeks, many Fairtrade certified organizations have used part of the FT Premium to buy food supplies for their members and help vulnerable populations in their communities.

Some have used funds to provide financial assistance to groups of elderly or vulnerable people who have been unable to work because of the pandemic.

Fair trade organisations are also making donations to strengthen health systems. In Colombia, banana corporations joined forces to set up a COVID-19 diagnostic centre in the Urabá region and also delivered medical supplies to health institutions.

Solidaridad continues to appear in Fairtrade organisations in Latin America and the Caribbean. At CLAC we are advising on how to use the Premium to address the crisis also in the medium and long term, as there is expected to be a significant economic impact for the region.

Some Fairtrade certified organizations are requesting the use of FT Premium to pay salaries due to lack of liquidity, and some have asked about the possibility of using it to pay for certification.

Los esfuerzos de solidaridad continúan en diferentes países, donde las organizaciones de Comercio Justo están haciendo esfuerzos para ayudar a su comunidad utilizando la prima Fairtrade o sus propios recursos.
>CLAC está recomendando a las organizaciones que usen la Prima Fairtrade con prudencia para tener recursos para enfrentar la crisis económica prevista que generará la pandemia en la economía de la región.

PALAM Rural Centre

Desde AlterNativa3, en la situación de crisis sanitaria actual, seguimos muy de cerca la afectación de esta pandemia en las cooperativas de comercio justo con las que colaboramos en países del sur global. Los jabones de AlterNativa3 están hechos a mano en India por la cooperativa PALAM Rural Centre, formada por un grupo de familias Harijan, de la casta más baja de la sociedad hindú, conocida también como “los intocables”. La cooperativa está situada en el estado de Tamil Nadu, al sur de la India.

In the midst of this crisis, we have received direct news from Palam Rural Centre. Caroline Edmunds, a collaborator with the organisation, comments that the most impoverished people in India do not have access to healthcare, and so the cooperative is monitoring the potential impact on their communities and looking after the health and safety of its members. In addition, they have organised themselves to supply not only their members but also people in need who live in villages around Kempe Nagar, the region where they are located, by handing out packets of rice and 1,000 rupees (around €12) for other basic supply purchases.

Situación de la crisis del COVID-19 en India

India, with a population of more than 1.35 billion, is the second most populous country in the world. Of particular concern in the covid-19 crisis are the "hot spots" of infection: Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Jaipur and Calculta, where the outbreak is "especially dangerous" due to population density. Since March, the government has implemented various measures to deal with the situation, including compulsory confinement and social distancing and hygiene measures, among others.

The situation generated by covid-19 means, on the one hand, a major health crisis for India, due to the fact that the health system is deficient, with few hospital beds available in relation to the number of inhabitants, and on the other hand, an economic crisis, in a country in which a large part of the population, especially those from the lowest castes, live exclusively on their daily income and have no access to economic or social assistance, so that confinement means no income of any kind for many families.

At AlterNativa3, we are committed to Fair Trade as the most effective tool to change the reality of many people in countries in the global south.
You too can do your bit and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable world by choosing fair trade products.

Impacto en la organización PFTC

Desde AlterNativa3, en la situación de crisis sanitaria actual, seguimos muy de cerca la afectación de esta pandemia en las cooperativas de comercio justo con las que colaboramos en países del sur global. El azúcar de caña Mascobado de AlterNativa3 proviene de la cooperativa de comercio justo PFTC en Filipinas. Esta organización nació con el objetivo de mejorar la posición de la mujer en la sociedad filipina, y trabaja para defender los intereses de las familias campesinas y de las mujeres que viven en los barrios más desfavorecidos de las ciudades. La caña de azúcar es la principal fuente de ingresos para muchas familias filipinas.

Like most of the world's population, the Philippines has also been extensively affected by the Covid-19 crisis. For this reason, President Rodrigo Duterte has implemented nationwide measures relevant to this pandemic situation, such as mandatory confinement, social distancing and hygiene, as well as declaring a State of Calamity for 6 months.

The country, flanked by the army and the police, has a very insecure situation due to the difficult access to basic necessities such as food, water and medicine for its more than 100 million inhabitants. This is compounded by the fact that the vast majority of the inhabitants cannot telecommute and have no access to emergency services or hospitals.

La pandemia en Filipinas

Una de las grandes preocupaciones del país  y de PFTC es el impacto económico que esta pandemia está provocando en millones de personas. No debemos perder de vista que la gran mayoría de la población vive con ingresos que les permiten sólo pasar el día, por lo que con la situación actual se encuentran en una condición económica deplorable. Se estima que en la isla de Luzon hay unas 14.4 millones de personas trabajadoras no reguladas, es decir, 3 de cada 5 personas se han quedado sin ingresos de ningún tipo debido a la pandemia. Otros 11 millones de habitantes sí están empleados, pero al realizar trabajos considerados no esenciales, se encuentran actualmente sin trabajo y, por tanto, sin ingresos. Para estas personas, la ayuda del gobierno es de lo equivalente a unos 91€. Esta ayuda se proporciona una única vez. Cabe destacar también que, de media, una familia filipina, está compuesta por 6 miembros.

Los vendedores de pescado ganaban unos 2000 pesos diarios antes del confinamiento (unos 36€). Ahora ganan solo 1000 pesos (aproximadamente 18€), es decir, la mitad. Esto refleja una gran caída en la demanda de pescado en el país. Además, hay una sobreoferta. Por eso, los precios han bajado mucho.

En resumen, el Covid-19 ha golpeado fuerte al país. Está en una crisis sanitaria con un impacto económico negativo. La población critica las medidas del gobierno. Estas no consideran a millones de personas sin acceso a la sanidad ni a ayudas económicas o sociales.

La sociedad se ha organizado para enfrentar la situación. Por ejemplo, se creó el Fight Covid-19 People’s Alliance (FCPA). Su objetivo es sensibilizar sobre cómo evitar contagios. También busca recaudar fondos para ayudar a quienes sufren económicamente. Además, distribuye alimentos básicos y desarrolla un programa de alimentación infantil.

KARAPATAN Panay

Desde KARAPATAN Panay, una alianza de grupos, individuos y organizaciones que promueven y protegen los derechos humanos en Filipinas, lanzan el siguiente comunicado (24 de marzo de 2020):

Actualmente, la carga de atender a los pacientes infectados recae sobre los médicos. Cinco de ellos ya han perdido la vida tras contraer Covid-19. La responsabilidad de alimentar a millones de ciudadanos confinados en sus hogares se transfiere a las unidades del gobierno local. Estas personas están privadas de cualquier medio de subsistencia.

Cada día se hace más evidente la falta de personal médico, equipamiento, kits de prueba y suministros. Los pacientes infectados con Covid-19 continúan aumentando. Las UGL necesitan más fondos. Solo así podrán mantener la ayuda alimentaria diaria a sus comunidades mientras la crisis persiste y empeora.

PFTC

Desde AlterNativa3, en la situación de crisis sanitaria actual, seguimos muy de cerca la afectación de esta pandemia en las cooperativas de comercio justo con las que colaboramos en países del sur global. El cacao de AlterNativa3 proviene de la organización sin ánimo de lucro de comercio justo FUNDOPO (Fundación Dominicana de Productores Orgánicos) en República Dominicana, formada por mujeres y hombres dedicados a la producción de cacao orgánico y otros cultivos. Esta organización agrupa 67 Unidades Productivas, con 1500 miembros productores y productoras de cacao orgánico de las regiones de Villa Altagracia, Yamasá, Puerto Plata, Joba y Blanco Arriba, Nagua, El Seibo y Salcedo.

Organización FUNDOPO

Its main objectives are: to achieve the integral development of the producers' economy (promoting environmentally sustainable national and foreign investment), the equitable distribution of goods and services and the improvement of the quality of life of its members. They also protect and preserve natural resources in order to guarantee the sustainability and biodiversity of the immediate environment. In addition, they work to design and promote the programme that enables the integral development of women and girls in the municipality of Villa Altagracia.
Visit their website for more details: http://www.fundopo.org

Situación en República Dominicana

In the Dominican Republic, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health, thousands of cases of covid-19 were already registered at the end of April. The 44% of the cases are in Santo Domingo and the National District, the most populated areas. In rural areas, fewer infections have been recorded, and as far as the FUNDOPO organisation is concerned, no infections have been reported.

The organisation's staff work with the stipulated protective measures, with all the necessary equipment to avoid contagion, and have obtained the relevant permits to continue operating.

The organisation tells us that, this time, it seems that, for once, the productive community is not strongly affected, as is being observed in the cities and towns with more inhabitants. Rather, they have seen a greater availability of labour, which has arisen because many of the businesses and factories (especially in free trade zones) have closed their doors. The Dominican government has extended the emergency measures until 20 May 2020, so businesses that are not part of the basic supply sector will remain closed.

AlterNativa3 adheres to the Climate Manifesto and supports the call for a Global Climate Strike on 27 September.

More than 300 organisations join the Global Climate Strike

In defence of the future, of a living planet and a just world, the undersigned individuals and collectives join and support the international call for a Global Climate Strike on 27 September 2019.

The signatory organisations call for the immediate declaration of the climate emergency and concrete measures are taken to rapidly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

They demand a new socio-ecological model that does not compromise the survival of life as we know it.

Numerous cities and towns will host various events on 27 September in support of the Global Climate Strike. A date that takes place in the framework of the global climate mobilisations and the week of action from 20 to 27 September called by Fridays for Future.

"The good that nature does for people may still seem to many to be alien to our daily lives. But it is the basis of our food, clean water and energy: the essential part, not only of our survival, but also of our cultures, identities and enjoyment of life.

We must act to halt and reverse our unsustainable use of nature, or we will jeopardise not only the future we want, but also the lives we live today. Fortunately, the evidence also shows that we know how to protect and partially restore our vital natural assets.

The words of Robert Watson, of the Platform ".Science and policy for people and nature". (IPBES), are further proof that sustainability is possible and feasible.

The Fair Trade has been applying this maxim in its projects around the world for decades, demonstrating that there are indeed alternatives to this model of production, marketing and consumption, which is currently socially and environmentally unsustainable.

Faced with the serious realisation that the climate crisis is a consequence of a model of production and consumption that has proved to be inappropriate to meet the needs of many peoplewhich puts our survival at risk e unfairly impacts especially on the world's poorest and most vulnerable populationsWe, of the State Fair Trade Coordinating Committee, adhere to the Climate Manifesto y we support the call for the Global Climate Strike for the next 27 September.

Source: Coordinadora Estatal de Comercio Justo