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Bana-Nutrition program
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Transforming Bananas: What is the Bana-Nutrition program all about?

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Transforming Bananas: What is the Bana-Nutrition program all about?

The Bana-Nutrition program is making a difference by supporting the improved nutrition and development of children within our neighboring communities. We realize this comprehensive effort through the donation of bananas, the formation of local partnerships and by conducting training sessions where mothers learn how to use banana flour as a nutritional supplement in their children’s diet.

Donations: Bananas with a Purpose

Every banana we donate has a clear purpose: to support the development and nutrition of children in communities within our area of influence. Beyond simply growing bananas, we make many positive contributions to the community.

Artisanal Transformation

The production of banana flour is a meticulous process that involves various techniques, such as drying, grinding and sieving. Each step is performed with precision to preserve the banana’s essential nutrients. The result is an enriched flour with high nutritional value.

Monitoring and Success Evaluation

The program goes beyond the delivery of banana flour to include the monitoring of the weight and health of children who receive the donations. This practice allows us to measure the program’s impact on the children’s recovery and provides valuable data for the continuous adjustment and improvement of program strategies.

Training for Mothers

Training mothers in the proper handling of banana flour is an integral part of the Bana-Nutrition program. Workshops are conducted where mothers learn to prepare highly nutritious foods, such as tortillas, pancakes, and porridge, using natural ingredients. These workshops allow mothers to participate in the program and become agents of change.

Local Partnerships: A Collective Effort

The program partners with government agencies, the private sector, communities, municipalities and civil society. This collaborative network strengthens the program’s effectiveness and expands its reach.

Ongoing Training: Sustainability in Action

At AgroAmerica, we are committed to having a lasting impact by providing ongoing training and ensuring that the knowledge gained by the communities who benefit from the program is preserved and shared.

We are transforming bananas into hope, nourishing communities, and building a healthier future for generations to come!

Supporting child nutritional development
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Supporting child nutritional development

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Supporting child nutritional development

At AgroAmerica, we work continuously to support child nutrition development on the southern coast of Guatemala. We do this through our flagship program, Bana-Nutrition, which reflects our commitment to building strong and healthy communities and improving the quality of life for mothers and children in our areas of influence.

The Reality of Child Malnutrition on the Southern Coast

Child malnutrition is a persistent challenge affecting too many communities in Guatemala, especially those on the southern coast. This reality demands decisive and sustainable actions. AgroAmerica recognizes that true social responsibility involves tackling problems head-on, and that’s precisely what we do through the Bana-Nutrition program.

The Transformative Approach of Bana-Nutrition

Bana-Nutrition is a commitment to combat malnutrition based on transforming bananas and supporting the mothers in the communities. Since the program’s inception in 2021, we have observed a significant change in the health statistics and community dynamics in the communities where the program has been implemented.

Donations and Transformation

The Bana-Nutrition program consists of a number of initiatives aimed at continuing the fight against malnutrition. These actions include donating banana powder, providing nutrition training to mothers, and monitoring children to ensure their recovery. AgroAmerica also develops partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and civil society so that these groups can participate in and support the program.

A Call to Collective Action

On Guatemala’s southern coast, child malnutrition is an issue that must be confronted and eradicated. The Bana-Nutrition program is our vehicle to achieve this and demonstrates how food innovation can be a powerful tool for social change.

Looking Toward the Future

As we celebrate being named a 2023 Reuters Awards finalist, we reaffirm our commitment to making the Bana-Nutrition program an even greater force for change. Every well-nourished child is a living testament that change is possible, and we are determined to continue to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Water Technical Committees
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Why Are Water Technical Committees So Important?

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Why Are Water Technical Committees So Important?

Responsible water management is essential to ensure the sustainability of our water resources. In this context, Water Technical Committees are crucial in addressing the challenges related to watershed conservation and sustainable water use. But why are they so important?

Protection and Conservation of Watersheds

One of the fundamental goals of these Technical Committees is to safeguard and conserve watersheds. These committees are comprised of water experts and professionals that focus on implementing measures to prevent the degradation of basins and preserve water quality and ecosystems.

Rational Use of Water

Rational water use is another critical pillar of the work of Water Technical Committees. The committees labor tirelessly to develop strategies that ensure the equitable distribution of water resources to all users, prevent overexploitation and promote sustainable practices that meet current needs without compromising the future.

Maintenance of Ecological Flow

The preservation of flora, fauna and natural habitats is closely linked to maintaining the ecological flow of rivers. The committees strive to establish minimum flows that ensure the health of aquatic ecosystems, thus contributing to biodiversity and environmental balance.

Ensuring Rivers Reach Their Mouths

The health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems depends on the connectivity of watersheds. These Technical Committees ensure that rivers flow unrestricted to naturally reach their mouths.

AgroAmerica and Its Participation in Water Technical Committees

AgroAmerica actively participates in seven technical committees for watersheds in Guatemala. Our involvement demonstrates our commitment to sustainable water management and watershed conservation. We also collaborate with local experts to implement practices that contribute to water preservation and the well-being of communities.

Materiality Analysis at AgroAmérica
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Materiality Analysis for Corporate Sustainability at AgroAmerica

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Materiality Analysis for Corporate Sustainability at AgroAmerica

AgroAmerica recognizes the importance of understanding and addressing economic, social, and governance challenges in order to drive long term sustainably. For this reason, we have integrated materiality analysis at AgroAmerica, as a fundamental tool in our internal management processes.

What Does Materiality Analysis Entail at AgroAmerica?

Our materiality analysis involves systematic evaluations to identify, prioritize and manage the most important and relevant issues for our organization and our stakeholders. We seek to measure our capacity to generate value in the short, medium and long term, by considering the environmental, social, and governance challenges specific to our operations.

Why is Materiality Analysis Important to Us?

This analysis has become a fundamental pillar to support corporate sustainability and internal social responsibility. It helps us identify, understand and prioritize critical issues that can impact every aspect of our operations. Moreover, it allows us to make better informed decisions, mitigate risks and seize opportunities for internal improvement.

Challenges for Companies in Materiality Analysis

At AgroAmerica, we recognize the importance of this analysis and understand that we face significant challenges in its execution. These challenges are due to the need to accurately assess the impact of certain aspects of our operations, encourage active stakeholder participation, and keep the corporate materiality analysis process up-to-date. However, we are committed to overcoming these challenges to ensure the sustainability and effective management of our operations.

Materiality Analysis at AgroAmerica

We recognize the importance of materiality analysis as an essential tool for the long-term sustainable management of AgroAmerica. We will pave the way toward a more promising future by continuing to conduct comprehensive evaluations and proactively addressing the most relevant aspects of our internal operations.

Estándar RSPO
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Public Announcement of Recertification of AgroAceite S.A.

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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 

Initiatives to Preserve Biodiversity - Maya Biosphere
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Our Initiatives to Preserve Biodiversity

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Our Initiatives to Preserve Biodiversity

AgroAmerica is committed to helping maintain ecological balance and ensuring the necessary conditions for life to exist. We focus on producing food sustainably while contributing to the protection and preservation of biodiversity. In this article, we will highlight the actions we take to preserve biodiversity.

Solid Conservation Practices

Our contribution to biodiversity conservation is reflected in our regenerative agriculture practices, our sustainable landscapes and clear no-deforestation, no-extraction, no-peat and no-exploitation policies. We also actively work to restore any affected areas, which has a positive impact on local flora and fauna.

Ongoing Positive Actions

We face this challenge, hand in hand, with other organizations that are also concerned about maintaining ecological balance and preserving species of flora and fauna. We have built strategic alliances to promote specific conservation projects and work with partners to identify and implement concrete actions that protect biodiversity within our sphere of influence.

Rigorous Identification of Species

We have identified more than 50 species of flora and more than 70 species of fauna in our areas of operation, including some on the Threatened Species List, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and the CITES International Trade List of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora Species. The identification of these species is the basis for the design and implementation of specific actions to protect them.

Measurable Impact

We quantify every action we take to protect and preserve biodiversity. We have:

  • Preserved 70.62 hectares of forests and riparian zones in our operations.
  • Reforested extensive areas by planting more than 27,560 trees.

Our commitment is not limited to our operations. We form strategic partnerships to strengthen our efforts, lead a broader movement toward preserving biodiversity, and protect each species of flora and fauna found in our operating areas.

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

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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
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Career Advancement: The Path to Personal and Professional Development

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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
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Education as a Key Factor for Development

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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
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First Corporate Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer

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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.