“Our employees earn almost 40% above the average wage of agricultural workers in Mexico”

Finding enough workers can be a challenge in the greenhouse industry, but working conditions for agricultural workers are also often a hot topic. NatureSweet has worked for 30 years to transform the lives of agricultural workers in North America. The company is guided by the conviction that doing the right thing and building a business model based on treating people with dignity is not in conflict, but the reason for its success.

As such, the company is committed to transforming an industry that has historically not always put its workers at the center or treated them as the most valuable driver for success. An example of this is how NatureSweet has created income stability for its workers in Mexico by paying them more than double the minimum wage.

“They earn almost 40% above the average wage of agricultural workers in Mexico and approximately 25% above the average wage of its main competitors. NatureSweet’s farmworkers also have the opportunity to earn up to 300% in bonus compensation,” says Lori Castillo. Vice President of Global Marketing for NatureSweet.

To further fulfill its mission to treat workers right, NatureSweet has reduced illiteracy rates within the company by offering educational programs so workers can learn how to read and write and earn a school diploma primary, middle and high school. “By the end of 2023, over 2,000 employees will have benefited from the program. We recently piloted a bachelor’s program in which 30 employees will have the opportunity to obtain their degree in agriculture,” he says.

They also supported an employee-led fund (known as the Fair Trade Premium) that generates millions of dollars annually and supports community development initiatives such as improving education, access to quality health services, accommodation, development projects and services other basic ones such as dental cleanings and services. “Prior to the program, 70% of associates had not received dental care. The program provided associates with access to care from dental hygienists and dentists, leading to over 600 associates receiving dental care. The program also includes vouchers that allow family members to have access to dental care care in their local community”.

Then there is nutrition counseling and healthy eating. “Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and monthly meal plans consistent with healthy eating recommendations. The fund also led to the creation of a food pantry stocked with nutritious food options that associates can easily access.” Also, eye care is a point of focus. “40% of associates and their family members suffered from vision problems and could not afford eye care due to its high cost. Thanks to the program, associates receive free eye exams and glasses.”

The company also says investing in mental health is important, offering psychologists in every facility offering 1-on-1 therapy sessions. “We also have several month-long programs that teach self-improvement topics ranging from human development to parenting, communication and problem solving.”

NatureSweet’s programs have been so successful that the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) highlighted the company in a Sustainability Case Study. It’s also been a hit with employees: NatureSweet has a monthly turnover rate of just 1%.

Investment in people is investment in business
“We’re investing money in our people, and they take great pride in caring for our products. There’s a misconception in the industry. It’s not, ‘How can we be profitable if we do this,’ but ‘We’re profitable because we do this.’ This is our business model and there is no conflict. Because we pay more and offer better incentives, we have the best people in the industry. Because we have the best people in the industry, we have the best product in the industry and a superior brand Our associates know what to do in terms of quality, safety and recognition of our product,” says Rodolfo Spielmann, President and CEO of NatureSweet.

In 2023, NatureSweet became the largest Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company in the world to earn B Corporation™ (B Corp) certification. This certification signifies that the company is recognized for meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Specifically – Fair compensation for all associates, safe working conditions that include proper training regardless of level, transparent communication, community engagement (NS invests in the local communities where we operate as we are non-migratory in nature), etc.

“By addressing labor issues in a comprehensive manner, we demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our employees, the environment and wider engagement.”

The story of Magaly Alfaro Avalos
But talking about numbers and goals only does so much. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, after all, what do employees have to say about it?

For NatureSweet Greenhouse Harvester Magaly Alfaro Avalos, the job and benefits allowed her to buy a house, work through three pregnancies (including three 82-day maternity leaves) and afford her an opportunity to earn her bachelor’s degree in agriculture (fully funded by the company).

According to the mother of three, Avalos’ family and community are counting on her, and having this job, which prioritizes her health and well-being, pays her a fair wage and values ​​her skill and intellect, allows her not only provide for them but thrive.

“I would not have been able to create the life I have achieved without the support, compensation and opportunities I received at NatureSweet,” said Avalos. “This job changed my life for the better and that of my family.”

“After completing her bachelor’s degree in 2027, Avalos aspires to continue growing within the company and take on supervisory roles. But really, Avalos’ story is just one example of what happens when companies invest in their people and we We are very proud of our achievements to date and will continue to invest in our employees in the future.”

For more information:
Sweet nature
www.naturesweet.com