FAIR TRADE
CERTIFICATION IN 2009, L’OCCITANE PROFESSIONALIZED ITS SHEA BUTTER NETWORK AND WORKED TO OBTAIN FAIR TRADE CERTIFICATION FROM ECOCERT ENVIRONNEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ESR STANDARD*. THE WOMEN'S COOPERATIVES CAN NOW USE THIS LABEL TO MAKE THEIR PRODUCTS MORE ATTRACTIVE TO INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS, THUS HELPING TO SECURE THEIR LONG-TERM EMANCIPATION.
WHAT ARE THE GUARANTEES FOR PRODUCERS FROM THE SOUTH? ETHICAL: producers are assured of selling their produce at a guaranteed minimum price; workers are assured of a decent wage. SOCIAL: decent working conditions, a collective organization and the setting up of a development fund for the communities of producers. HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: production methods that respect both natural resources and the health of producers and workers. DEVELOPMENT: the approach involves a sustainable partnership with purchasers and gives greater autonomy to producers. * ESR standard (Fairness, Solidarity and Responsibility), available at www.ecocert.com
SINCE 2008 • Multi-year contracts have been signed with all the cooperatives of producers • A fair price, which covers production, environmental and social costs, and leaves a margin for investment, is set each year by a working committee • A minimum annual order is guaranteed
IN 2013 Despite the events in West Africa, close ties have been maintained with the cooperative unions, and for the first time, the annual working committee meeting was held via videoconferencing. • Evaluation of the accounting management of the cooperatives completed • Training related to the ESR standards given to all cooperatives • An increase in the development fund from 2 to 3% of the price of the butter per kg 8