Selling 5 million Ugandan Fairtrade poinsettias

In the Fairtrade Cents pilot project launched last year, Wagagai (a nursery for young plants in Uganda), import partner Selecta One and Fairtrade International want workers on the farm to earn a 'fair' wage. For each sold Fairtrade poinsettia, a few cents go into a separate bonus fund, which supplements the income of workers on the plantation. For example, in 2017, this made it possible to pay a 13th month salary to the workers on the Wagagai plantation.

5% Fairtrade

For this year, plans are even more ambitious. The aim is to sell at least 5 million Fair Trade poinsettias in 2018, which would amount to about 10% of the total production of Wagagai. As a result, the wages of each employee would rise substantially, even to the equivalent of about 5 months worth of salary.

Supermarket PLUS is the first Dutch large grocer that has committed itself to the Fairtrade Cents Pilot. "We think it is important to take our responsibility, also with regard to the low wages in the flower chain," says Debbie Huisman, CSR Specialist at PLUS. "Companies often can't solve the problem of low wages alone. By pulling together in the chain, we come a long way. We therefore hope that as many other retailers as possible join this initiative, so that we can make it a great success together".

For more information:
The story of Wagagai
Towards a living wage at poinsettia farms

Hivos Campagne 'Small Change, Big Deal'

Source: Hivos & Fairtrade