AgroAmerica

Reconocimiento a Productores de Banano

UNAIDS recognizes banana producers in Guatemala to boost the labor policy of HIV / AIDS

UNAIDS recognizes banana producers in Guatemala to boost the labor policy of HIV / AIDS

Guatemala, July 2013. UNAIDS awarded The Association of Independent Banana producers -APIB- and its 19 affiliated companies for working towards prevention and care of HIV in the workplace in addition to become a role model for other business sectors in Guatemala.

Labor policies on HIV, focus on guaranteeing rights of HIV infected personnel and for providing a work environment free of prejudices, stigma and discrimination. Prevention is promoted among all employees and health care for all is provided. HIV test are provided and the confidentiality of the results is guarantee.

On belhalf of Agrofruit 10 employees responsible for the implementation of the HIV program received the award. Bernardo Roehrs, Coorporate Director expressed satisfaction for the work done and the for the future plans to be implemented: “We have trained over 4,000 employees and community leaders in HIV/AIDS prevention, focused on values and the responsible use of their sexuality, emphasizing on Fidelity and Abstinence. This year we plan to expand the program to new groups of workers from the farms.”

Jose Enrique Zelaya UNAIDS coordinator for Guatemala and Mexico, thanked banana producers for their support and commitment in the implementation of Labor Policies on HIV/AIDS stating: “It is necessary that the business sector of Guatemala takes an active role because neither the government nor the international cooperation has the necessary resources for HIV prevention, care and treatment”.

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Proyecto de Reforestación

AGROAMERICA LAUNCHES A REFORESTATION PROJECT.

AGROAMERICA LAUNCHES A REFORESTATION PROJECT

Guatemala, July 2013. AgroAmerica concerned with the environment and floods that have afflicted year after year communities in the South West region of Guatemala, has decided to implement a Reforestation project in the area along with the Ministry of Social Development.

The objective of the Project is to reforest micro basins of rivers Ocosito, Naranjo, and Zanjon Pacaya. Furthermore involves communities, government institutions, NGO and private sector.

It is estimated to plant 120 thousand trees in eleven months, in nurseries established in 21 communities in the meeting point among the departments of Retalhuleu, San Marcos and Quetzaltenango.

Seeds have been harvested by the Ministry of Social Development; plastic bags have been donated by AgroAmerica. Communities will be responsible for filling the bags, irrigation and maintenance of nurseries. In addition, FONADES will provide technical assistance during the life time of the project.

Bernardo Roehrs, AgroAmerica’s Corporate Director stated: “Reforestation brings great benefits: protects against erosion, prevents decrease of soil fertility and sedimentation of water ways, prevents flooding and improves air quality.”

AgroAmerica, with the implementation of this Project, once again demonstrates its Social Responsibility contributing towards the improvement of the environment and the development of the communities where it operates.

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Premio a la productividad 2013

AGROAMERICA AWARDS ITS WORKERS

AGROAMERICA AWARDS ITS WORKERS

Guatemala, May 2013. For the fourth year, AgroAmerica recognizes its employees outstanding work with the “Productivity Award 2013.” Over 600 employees of AgroAmerica farms were recognized for contributing towards the growth of the company and for having improved the economical, personal and professional situation of its employees and were given a cash award. This is a yearly event in memory of the founder of the company.

The purpose of this award is to thank employees for their dedication, job excellence and to encourage them to continue doing a good job as well as reminding them to always apply in their daily life the values and teachings established by Agroamericas’ Founder.

The criteria to select the winners are: job excellence, no disciplinary actions, zero work place absenteeism, outstanding performance and at least one year of seniority.

Danix Garcia, banana picker, who was honored this year, stated: “We are motivated to receive the award. The dedication and effort is recognized. We are thankful to God and the Company for acknowledging our work and I would like to encourage my coworkers to continue working as a team in order to meet goals thus next year we can win again.”

In addition, an award is given to the packing plant with the highest production in a year and keeping the standards of quality and Social Responsibility. As production increases employees earn more.

Felix Mateo, manager of the winner packing plant in the south west stated: “We are very happy to win the Productivity Award. I am very thankful to the team for a well done job and encourage all to continue working with excellence in order to win next year.”

Escuintla’s Human Resource Manager added: “The productivity award is an incentive for all workers; the company recognizes efficiency, productivity, quality, performance and team work of its employees.”

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Desarrollo de las PYMES

AGROAMERICA CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE THAN 3000 SMES

AGROAMERICA CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE THAN 3000 SMES

Guatemala, May 2013. Since Agroamerica’s foundation in Guatemala it is well known to greatly contribute towards the development of rural communities near its area of operations. Agroamerica generates employment for over 3 thousand small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Guatemala City and rural areas in the departments of Izabal, Escuintla, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, and Retalhuleu as well as in Chiriqui, Panama and Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Agroamerica has contributed in the growth of these businesses as they receive income through the whole year, generating jobs and new business opportunities to surrounding communities and the country. Agroamerica invests close to $130,000.00 dollar every month towards supporting the development of these areas.

These SME’s have benefited by Agroamerica operation in rural areas where they are located.

As follows some success stories:

Héctor Manuel Pérez Ruiz, Patulul Suchitepéquez, Guatemala, owns a transportation business to the farms since March 2000.
“I am very thankful to Agroamerica, for 13 years of giving us the opportunity to work and support our families.”

Julio Arístides Ipólito Lima, from the village of Champas Pinula Tiquiste, owns a small business that has provided for 15 years construction services to the farms located in Escuintla. “Agroamerica is a company that offers thousands of job opportunities every year. I am very happy because I have been working for them for many years and I feel, I belong to a great family, and thanks to them I own my construction business generating jobs to many people. If the company grows, ours grows too.”

Anabella de Jesús Argueta Carrillo from Nueva Concepción, Escuintla who for the past three years owns a food business , offering breakfast, lunches and snacks to employees of one of the packing plants. “I feel part of the company, besides selling food I support workers, share, learn and live with them. Thanks to the Company I have a job and I do what I like.”

Juan Carlos Maldonado Martínez a local small business owner who for more than one year leases Agroamerica heavy equipment. “I am committed to Agroamerica in providing a good service because they are a responsible and a strong company, enabling me to offer work to 30 employees who also benefit from Agroamerica.”

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Proyecto Playas Limpias

AgroAmerica Implements The “Clean Beaches” Project.

AgroAmerica Implements The “Clean Beaches” Project.

Guatemala, April 2013. Agroamerica along with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Independent Association of Banana Producers -APIB- (for its initials in Spanish) is implementing a recycling project to maintain “Clean Beaches” in six communities in Tiquisate, Escuintla.

The project began with Agroamerica’s donation of 115 trash cans and the coordination of the six communities Municipal Sustainable Rural Development Councils (COCODES) and community leaders to participate and to give follow up in the project.

Upon completion of this project is expected to revive the economy of the communities involved, to teach and promote good hygiene practices as well as to learn how to protect the environment, eager to achieve a healthy living style and to serve as an example to be followed by other communities.

Communities benefited by this project are: San Francisco Madre Vieja, Huitzitzil, Las Troza, Playa el Semillero, Barra Nahualate and Ticanlú.

Ernesto Telon, president of the Municipal Sustainable Rural Development Council (COCODE) of San Francisco Madre Vieja in Tiquisate, Escuintla stated: “This project, will be in benefit of my community, now that the rainy season is approaching it will help to reduce environmental pollution and to prevent diseases in children and adults.”

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Cooperativa De Ahorro Y Crédito AgroAmérica

AgroAmerica Will Feature A New Savings And Credit Cooperative For Its Employees

AgroAmerica Will Feature A New Savings And Credit Cooperative For Its Employees.

Guatemala, March 2013. The construction of the offices and store of “Mi Gente” Cooperative at Agroamerica farms started this month and is expected to be completed by May, benefiting 400 members.

Employees affiliated to the Cooperative will receive many benefits such as: a credit union that will offer access to low rate loans, savings and credits, a grocery store that will supply basic commodities, motorcycles and electrical appliances at reduced prices, and participation in medical, ophthalmological, dental and deworming campaigns to improve the health of its members and its communities.

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Premio “Orden De Excelencia Laboral”

AgroAmerica’s Employee Received The “Order Of Work Excellence” From The Ministry Of Labour.

AgroAmerica’s Employee Received The “Order Of Work Excellence” From The Ministry Of Labour.

Guatemala, March 2013. Teresa de Jesus Aguilar, Agroamerica’s employee from a packing plant was selected this year by the Ministry of Labor in Guatemala (MINITRAB) to receive a recognition for work excellence, awarded every year to 17 women, on the International Women’s day for outstanding work performed in the areas of agriculture, trade, industry, service and government.

“Mama Tere”, as known affectionately in the plantations, has been 21 years with Agroamerica: three years in Izabal and 18 years in Escuintla. She started working on different chores in the banana packing plants such as, boxing bananas, removing the hands of freshly harvested bananas from their stems, placing them in trays and cleaning tanks.

Teresa at all times puts great effort and dedication to every task assigned to her, always thought and performed unconditionally on behalf of the company’s best interest. “Mama Tere, has always been reliable and a doer, I have known her for 17 years” stated, plantation’s Chief Security Officer.

In addition to the medal and diploma received, Agroamerica awarded her a cash reward in recognition for a job well done and for all the years of excellent service to the company.

Plantation Manager, acknowledged Teresa’s work, stating “Mrs. Tere is an example that we all should follow. I am impressed with her loyalty, and her desire to always do a good job. She has given her life to the company and that is why we honor her.”

Rosalina Balerio Chavez, coworker added: “I have worked with Mama Tere for 10 years. She has always been kind, and responsible.

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Voluntariado AgroAmerica

AgroAmerica’s Staff Engaged In Volunteer Work

AgroAmerica’s Staff Engaged In Volunteer Work

Guatemala, February 2013, Agroamerica’s main office staff visited “Camino Seguro” (Safe Passage) for a volunteer work. Camino Seguro is an organization that brings hope, education and opportunities to young people and their families that live in extreme poverty in areas surrounding the garbage dump in Zone 3 of Guatemala City.

Megan McAdams, Camino Seguro volunteer, who came originally to help for two months (has stayed two years and a half in this project), stated: “when you come and realize the great need that exist, you do not want to leave. With pleasure we will receive Agroamerica?s volunteers.”

All Saturday morning, Agroamerica’s employees shared happiness with children and coached youth for job interviews.

Juan Francisco Roldan, Camino Seguro, Public Relations coordinator expressed: “Volunteer work is very important because our children receive personal attention. This activity has been one of the best ones that we have carried out, all of Agroamerica?s employees participated. They were well organized and supported all activities. What these children need is to feel that there is someone to support them.”

Agroamerica’s personnel enjoyed the visit, all agreed that this type of activity helps them grow, become better persons, shapes them completely and strengthen their values.

Jorge David Reynoso, member of Agroamerica’s accounting department commented: “I liked very much sharing with children and youth and being able to encourage them to continue. Sometimes we complaint, but when we see what type of work these children do in the garbage dump, it makes us reflect.”

Ingrid Lopez, Logistics Manager, added: “It was very rewarding. Sometimes we forget that very close to us there are great needs, because we are caught up with our day to day activities. Children taught me much, despite the limited resources they have, all of them had much enthusiasm, energy and optimism. I would like to have more opportunities like this one and that a larger group could participate next time to reach more people in need and learn to be thankful for what we have.”

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Buenas prácticas ambientales AgroAmérica

AgroAmerica Shares Their Good Environmental Practices.

AgroAmerica Shares Their Good Environmental Practices.

Guatemala, February 13, 2013. Personnel from the environmental department of Cementos Progreso -CEMPRO- visited the water reservoir of Agroamerica in order to implement it in their operation. Through this reservoir, water is saved during the rainy season, to be used during the dry season (summer).

Agroamerica has the expertise and capability for technological research to continuously improve the production system by minimizing the use of resources and care appropriately the environment.

Cristian Mora, Production Manager, stated: “For Agroamerica is very important the relation with other companies, for that reason Agroamerica shared its good environmental practices with CEMPRO.”

Oscar Perez, CEMPRO Environmental Manager, was very thankful with Agroamerica’s team: “The visit succeeded our expectations. The reservoir project is worth to be duplicated. Thank you for bringing forward this project, sharing the information and for the hospitality received during our visit.”

Marvin Lopez, Agroamerica Quality Control Manager, commented that for the company is of great pride and satisfaction that a company such as Cementos Progreso duplicates a large scale project such as Agroamerica’s water reservoir model. “This type of visits is important because they strengthen institutional alliances that allow knowledge exchange about projects that are being implemented successfully. CEMPRO personnel was satisfied with the knowledge acquired and invited us to visit them.”

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Estudio a comunidades AgroAmérica

Anthropologists From University Of Colorado Conducted A Study For AgroAmerica

Anthropologists From University Of Colorado Conducted A Study For AgroAmerica

Guatemala, february 2013. In order to understand the social and cultural context of the region in the communities near Agroamerica’s operations, eleven anthropology students from the University of Colorado conducted a study on health care. It is known that diseases, have social and cultural causes in addition to biological ones.

By means of this study, they expect to discover the types of diseases the population
is at risk of contracting, their causes, the medical care available and appropiate treatment.

Another aspect that could be identified as a result of this study, is how communities day to day manage to live without receiving support from the government in basic services such as health care, water access and food.

John Brett, Anthropologist from the Univesiity of Colorado, commented, that the experience with the communities and the results achieved will be very benefitial for the Center for Human Development (CHD), that Agroamerica is designing.

“We were very well received by the people, all inhabitants would like to see inmprovements in their communities, therefore they are willing to participate. A wide range of persons were interviewed: community leaders, government officials, religious leaders and radical groups,” stated Brett.

Great advancements were achieved with this visit, important information was found out regarding the priorities of the local communities in terms of development, the organization of the clinic and planning of other related health programs such as water sanitation, nutritional educational programs and access to medical care.

To watch the advancements on Agroamerica’s Center for Human Development in conjunction with the University of Colorado please click here

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