AgroAmerica

Estándar RSPO

Public Announcement of Recertification of AgroAceite S.A.

Public Announcement of Recertification of AgroAceite S.A.

As part of AgroAmerica, the company AgroAceite S.A., has applied to Control Union Malaysia Sdn Bhd to carry out recertification audit activities in accordance with the National Interpretation for Guatemala of the RSPO 2018 Principles and Criteria (P&C) Standard for Sustainable Palm Oil Production. 

The Recertification Audit is planned to commence on April 1, 2024 and will be completed on April 5, 2024. 

You can download the document in English here: https://rspo.org/wp-content/uploads/RSPO-Public-Announcement-of-Agroaceite-1.pdf 

Code of Ethics of AgroAmérica

Code of Ethics of AgroAmérica: The Cornerstone of Our Organizational Culture

Code of Ethics of AgroAmérica: The Cornerstone of Our Organizational Culture

As AgroAmerica’s Legal Compliance Manager, I want to address the importance of Code of Ethics of AgroAmérica. This Code is the foundation on which our organizational culture is built rather than just a set of rules.

Our Core Values, Not Just Rules

Our Code of Ethics is more than a document mandating legal compliance. It is a set of principles that defines how we conduct ourselves in business and how we interact as members of AgroAmerica. It goes beyond legal compliance and demands honesty, integrity and transparency in our actions.

Transparency and Respect

Transparency is critical in the realm of legal compliance. We ensure that our operations are understandable and fair for our team members and those outside of our organization. What is more, respect for human dignity is an unwavering pillar of our organizational culture.

Positive Impact on Communities

Our commitment to the Code of Ethics aligns ethically and coherently with our sustainability strategy at every stage of our collection, production, and marketing processes.

How Does the Code of Ethics Function in Our Operations?

The Code serves as a mechanism for stakeholders to report violations or irregularities in our value chain processes. Concerns can be reported through the ethics line, where the responsible department will address any incident within one month of the date of the reported irregularity.

Our Commitment to Ethics

Everyone in the organization embraces the Code of Ethics as an active commitment. In my capacity as the Legal Compliance Manager, I urge everyone to view this Code as the framework that defines our business conduct. It serves as a constant reminder that at AgroAmerica, we act with integrity and responsibility and conduct our actions in a transparent and appropriate manner while continuously aiming for improvement.

Career advancement

Career Advancement: The Path to Personal and Professional Development

Career Advancement: The Path to Personal and Professional Development

Career advancement is a continuous process of transformation and development that encourages people to adopt new ways of thinking, behaviors, and attitudes. This path seeks to improve individuals’ quality of life and contribute to the growth and success of the company they work for.

How to Achieve Career Advancement?

Career advancement is a constant process of learning and growth, and achieving it involves acquiring new skills, continuously improving competencies, and being willing to face challenges. As people immerse themselves in this process, they experience personal evolution reflected in their work performance and ability to overcome obstacles.

The Importance of Work Motivation

Within the process of career advancement, motivation plays a crucial role; this aspect drives employees to strive to achieve goals and maintain a positive focus in the face of challenges. A motivating work environment improves employee satisfaction and contributes to talent retention and building stronger, more cohesive teams.

Benefits of Career Advancement

Career advancement benefits not only the employees but also significantly impacts the organization. Employees who seek improvement are more committed and motivated, leading to a more positive and productive work environment. Additionally, acquiring new skills and knowledge adds value to the company, improving its competitiveness in the market.

Professional and Personal Development

Moreover, career advancement is not limited to the professional realm; it also significantly impacts personal development. As people acquire new skills and knowledge, they experience holistic growth reflected in their confidence, self-esteem, and ability to face diverse situations. This balance between professional and personal development creates more complete and resilient individuals.

Promoting a Culture of Improvement

Promoting career advancement within an organization involves creating a culture that encourages continuous learning, recognizes individual achievements, and provides development opportunities. Investing in training programs, mentorship, and constructive feedback contributes to creating an environment conducive to employees’ personal and professional growth.

AgroAmerica is an organization that focuses on developing its employees and promotes personal improvement. How does AgroAmerica achieve this? Creating meaningful opportunities and promoting a culture of continuous learning demonstrates its firm commitment to the holistic growth of each of its employees. Various success stories at AgroAmerica demonstrate its support and contribution to the career advancement of its employees, showing that they have a work environment that nurtures and enhances those who are part of this great business family.

Education as a Key Factor for Development

Education as a Key Factor for Development

Education and development

Education as a Key Factor for Development

According to the United Nations (UN), education is a key factor for development; it is a fundamental human right, a public good, and a shared responsibility. This right is a tool to achieve positive changes and advancements in the progress of entire communities and societies.

Breaking Cycles of Inequality and Poverty

In today’s world, Education is a foundational element for generating positive economic and social change, expanding development opportunities for individuals, broadening horizons, and promoting equality. The possibility of accessing quality education is a decisive factor in breaking poverty and inequality cycles.

More Than Knowledge

Each individual has the right to access quality education, to learn, realize their potential, and contribute to collective well-being. Education is a significant engine in people’s lives because, in addition to providing academic knowledge, it also offers tools to assess options, anticipate consequences, foster critical thinking, and make better life decisions.

Challenges and Commitments for Equity

It is essential to make Education accessible to all individuals, regardless of gender, age, economic conditions, or geographical location. However, it’s also important to address Education beyond these factors, aiming to provide academic tools that adapt to each person’s capabilities and individual needs, and actively involving parents, teachers, and students in the learning process.

AgroAmerica’s Commitment to Education

As a leading corporation committed to sustainable development, we at AgroAmerica recognize the significance of Education. For over 12 years, we have supported initiatives that facilitate access to quality education for the children and relatives of our employees. Through our AgroAmerica School, we implement the Active Rural School Model, contributing to the academic development of hundreds of children in the areas where we operate.

Continuous Commitment to Progress and Prosperity

Education is the foundation for a better future, and at AgroAmerica, we are committed to actions that allow us to continue being a positive agent of change in society. We contribute to our workers’ well-being, families, and communities

AgroAmerica nombra a Javier Aguirre como su primer Director de Asuntos Corporativos y Sostenibilidad

First Corporate Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer

First Corporate Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer

AgroAmerica Appoints Javier Aguirre as its first Corporate Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer

Guatemala, January 12, 2024 – AgroAmerica, a leading corporation in the agri-food Industry, has announced the appointment of Javier Aguirre as its first Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer.

Mr. Aguirre brings a wealth of experience to his new role, starting his career at AgroAmerica as a Compliance Officer before serving as Corporate Director for the past five years. During this time, his exceptional leadership was evident in steering the development and execution of the current sustainability strategy, corporate policies, and compliance initiatives.

Javier Aguirre’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices is underscored by his academic achievements, including a master’s degree in Sustainability Management earned in 2023 from Columbia University in New York. In his new capacity, Mr. Aguirre will leverage this expertise to breathe new life into and strengthen AgroAmerica’s corporate sustainability plan.

The key focus of his role will be the seamless integration of Sustainability with AgroAmerica’s business strategy. By aligning these critical components, Mr. Aguirre aims to further elevate AgroAmerica’s leadership by establishing new and ambitious goals for sustainability in the agri-food sector.

In recent years, Javier Aguirre has been a key driver in advancing our sustainability initiatives. With this transition to his new role, we hold high expectations for what we will achieve, said Fernando Bolaños, CEO of AgroAmerica. His strategic vision, combined with a deep understanding of our business, will play a fundamental role in shaping the future of AgroAmerica as a global leader in Sustainability.

AgroAmerica remains dedicated to its commitment to responsible business practices, and Javier Aguirre’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward achieving its sustainability goals.

Gender Equity as a Strength

Gender Equity as a Strength

Gender Equity

Gender Equity as a Strength

At AgroAmerica, we understand that gender equity is a fundamental pillar for the sustainable development of our company. We operate in areas and countries where male labor has traditionally dominated the agro-industrial sector and we take concrete actions to promote an inclusive and equitable work environment for both men and women. Our team’s diversity enables us to reach our goals by enriching our operations with different perspectives and knowledge.

 

Gender Committee and Corporate Policies

Our gender committee plays a crucial role in formulating corporate policies related to the rights and obligations of women, maternity benefits, and non-discrimination. More than 80 people work on the committee, with the majority of them being women.

Systematic Surveys and Interviews

We use internal surveys and periodic interviews to understand the work dynamics and specific needs of our team. These tools enable us to tailor our policies and programs to ensure an inclusive work environment that supports the development of every team member, regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or other human characteristic. AgroAmerica values diversity and is committed to removing any barriers that prevent equal opportunity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our staff is made up of individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences due to our geographically broad presence. We strive to achieve gender balance in all our operations by following our Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy.

Recognition and Leadership Opportunities

Each year, at least one of our female employees is recognized by the Ministry of Labor with an award that highlights the dedication and excellence in their work. These achievements highlight our ongoing commitment to promoting gender equity and creating an environment where talent and effort are recognized regardless of gender.

Promotion of Female Leadership

We have promoted outstanding women to leadership roles, demonstrating our commitment to equal opportunities and female empowerment. Each of these employees has performed exceptionally well and contributed significantly to AgroAmerica’s results and success.
Our commitment to gender equality
At AgroAmerica, we are committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace by creating a work environment where empowerment, professional development and equal opportunities for all are fundamental priorities. Our goal is to strive toward a more equitable and rewarding work future for our team.
Ethical Governance: Responsible Leadership

Ethical Governance: Responsible Leadership for a Sustainable Future

Ethical Governance: Responsible Leadership for a Sustainable Future

As the organization’s highest governing body, AgroAmerica’s Board of Directors is responsible for leading the company ethically and effectively. This commitment goes beyond economic growth, seeking to generate social value and increase the trust of interested parties. Our governance framework, processes, and actions are designed to ensure the desired short-, medium-, and long-term results supporting sustainable value creation.

Corporate Leadership: Rigorous Oversight for Sustainability Management

Sustainability management at AgroAmerica is directed by the company’s Corporate Management, under the supervision of the CEO and the Board of Directors’ mandate. This management is integrated with the company’s key areas, such as human resources, legal and compliance, corporate social responsibility, and communication. This structure ensures that policies and procedures are strictly followed in each operation, ensuring consistent strategy execution and a conscious focus on positive impact on society and the environment.

Ethics and Integrity: Values Defining Our Organizational Culture

At AgroAmerica, our values are the essence of our culture. They define and differentiate us in the market, guiding our sustainability strategy at all levels of operation. We support the implementation of our Code of Ethics through policies that promote compliance, from the Ethics Line for claims and complaints to policies regarding Conflict of Interests and Global Anti-Corruption.

Rigorous Compliance: Guarantee of Transparency and Accountability

AgroAmerica assumes the immense responsibility of monitoring and ensuring supplier compliance and establishing high standards of responsible production and marketing. Our Due Diligence System evaluates suppliers, rejecting those not complying with our standards. We have a robust compliance program to mitigate all operational risks, maintain a strong culture of discipline, adhere to regulations, and comply with several international certifications.

Our Commitment to Corporate Responsibility

At AgroAmerica, ethical governance and compliance are the fundamental framework that leads our actions, processes, and decisions. They are expressions of our commitment to corporate responsibility. These pillars guide us in the present and are essential to building a sustainable and ethical future.

soil care and preservation

Soil Care and Preservation: A Priority for AgroAmerica

Soil Care and Preservation

Soil Care and Preservation: A Priority for AgroAmerica

In compliance with our Environmental Commitment and Management Policy, we actively engage in soil care and preservation and recognize its fundamental role in sustainable agriculture. We continuously assess and monitor the environment to ensure that our practices adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility.

Rigorous Soil Health Monitoring

We continually pursue improvements while carrying out detailed monitoring of environmental parameters that directly impact soil health. We thoroughly evaluate every aspect of soil health to ensure that our operations are productive and regenerative.

Training in the Responsible Use of Agricultural Products

We consistently provide training in the responsible use of agricultural products with a focus on implementing sustainable soil conservation practices. Our field staff is well trained in the proper methods for the handling, use and application of these inputs. Specialized personnel are responsible for each training topic in order to meet the highest agricultural production standards.

Classification and Safety Protocols

Understanding the classification, management and risk reduction in the handling of agricultural products is essential to ensure their correct use while maintaining soil integrity. The established safety protocols we use are designed to preserve soil health and structure while protecting people in the field.

A Continuous Commitment to Soil Sustainability

Beyond mere compliance with agricultural standards, at AgroAmerica we are committed to continuously improving our operations. Our policies include innovation and implementation of sustainable practices that nourish and strengthen the soil. This commitment is not only an aspect of our operations but is also a responsibility to help protect this vital resource for future generations.

Toward a Sustainable Future: Caring for the Soil and the Planet

AgroAmerica has made a strong commitment to soil care. We are building an agro-industrial sector where food production and resource conservation coexist harmoniously. We are promoting productivity and the regeneration of nature for a sustainable future.

transparency in the supply chain

The importance of transparency in the supply chain

Transparency in the supply chain

The importance of transparency in the supply chain

Transparency in the supply chain enables effective and sustainable business management. Firstly, it builds trust among employees, clients, investors, and stakeholders, fostering long-term business relationships. Additionally, transparency in all processes encourages adopting more sustainable practices, enhances efficiency, and reinforces social responsibility while contributing to a solid reputation and positive market image.

Supply chain and transparency

The supply chain must maintain transparency by communicating as much information as possible about its production and business activities, both internally and externally. Transparency is a crucial aspect of corporate social responsibility that impacts business success for several reasons:

  • Enables suppliers to understand the company’s requirements and expectations, assisting them in adhering to international standards of quality, production, and sustainability.
  • Improves the safety and quality of products, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.
  • Facilitates the identification of risks and collaborative problem-solving by involving all actors in the value chain
  • Contributes to achieving sustainable management by establishing clear policies and procedures.
  • It supports sustainable development.

At AgroAmerica, we understand the importance of transparency in the supply chain. From production to marketing, we ensure that our business practices are ethical, fair, and sustainable. This involves providing clear and accurate information about our operations and engaging our suppliers and business partners.

What are we doing to achieve transparency in our supply chain? 

We collaborate with our business partners, suppliers, certifiers, employees, and clients to enhance transparency throughout our supply chain processes. A significant pillar of this effort is strengthening the capacities of small producers and suppliers who work with us. Through continuous support, training, and space for experience sharing, we are working on initiatives to help them improve sustainability in their operations and, at the same time, promote greater transparency.

Furthermore, continuously improving business practices also involves reinforcing mechanisms to ensure respect for human rights and awareness. We constantly train our employees in areas related to corporate policies, including ethics, human rights, and anti-corruption. We also communicate these activities through various internal and external channels. By doing so, we aim to promote a good work environment that positively impacts production.

Transparency in the supply chain is crucial for building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. At AgroAmerica, we hold more than ten international certifications related to good production practices, environmental management, sustainability, secure trade, quality, and food safety. This helps ensure a sustainable and responsible operation.

Transparency requires genuine commitment from companies to improve their practices and processes continually. Hence, at AgroAmerica we work continuously to achieve a more transparent and sustainable supply chain.

Importance of Mangroves

Importance of Mangroves in Mitigating Climate Change

Mangroves and climate change

Importance of Mangroves in Mitigating Climate Change

Mangroves are a true ecological treasure located in coastal areas around the world. They are precious ecosystems that perform various functions, including being home to many species of marine and terrestrial biodiversity and aiding in mitigating climate change.

Carbon Capture: A Remarkable Impact on the Environmental Footprint

One of the main contributions of mangroves to the environment is their unique ability to capture carbon. Through a process known as “carbon sequestration,” these ecosystems can store significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide in their tissues and soils. This is why mangroves and wetlands are known as carbon sinks. 

Mangroves store up to three times more carbon than tropical forests, containing large stores of carbon accumulated in their sediments over thousands of years.  This function is pivotal for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and reducing global warming.

Investing in Mangrove Restoration and Conservation as a Winning Strategy

In a world battling against the climate crisis, investing in mangrove restoration and conservation emerges as a winning strategy. At AgroAmerica, we have led mangrove conservation projects in collaboration with various organizations like Rainforest Alliance, the National Institute of Forests (INAB Guatemala), and others. These projects yield environmental and social benefits and offer opportunities for participation and leadership in climate action.

Mangroves are strategic allies in the fight against climate change. Their ability to capture large amounts of carbon, protect coastlines, and provide shelter to thousands of species makes them one of the most important ecosystems on our planet. With the leadership of companies, communities, authorities, and environmental organizations, we can ensure their protection and conservation, aiming for a sustainable future.