Pineapples from Togo
Based in Togo since 2005, ProNatura West Africa organises the production of organic pineapples grown by more than 350 farmers operating via 35 agricultural groups. As a flagship project proudly displaying the group's values, it seeks to transform the growing of food crops (which were sold in the local market at very low prices) into an export activity achieving higher prices and generating the income these farmers need to really be able to expand.
(Videos in french)
ProNatura West Africa finances organic and "free trade" certifications, while supervising and managing the production and packing station built by ProNatura, aided by some 20 Togolese staff.
This equitable relationship generates business activity and enables the farmers and their families to remain in their villages, as demonstrated by a comment from a teacher: "Now that ProNatura is regularly selling our pineapples, my school is always full. Beforehand, the children only attended school when their parents didn't need them to go out and sell their fruit in the markets".