Columbia

Supporting Farmworkers

RGC is deeply committed to ensuring all actors in the supply chain are treated fairly and with dignity. To bring visibility and recognition to the lives of laborers, RGC partnered with Colombian coffee organizations Alto Occidente de Caldas Cooperative, Norte de Caldas Cooperative, Aguadas Cooperative, and Salgar Cooperative to develop Las Manos del Café, a project dedicated entirely towards improving the wellbeing, working conditions and career viability for farmworkers and their families.

Economic Impact

Innovation plays a crucial role in lowering the cost of sustainable, low-emission technologies, making eco-friendly practices more accessible to households and communities alike. By driving down the costs of renewable energy, water-efficient irrigation systems, and organic farming techniques, innovation enables farmers and consumers to adopt greener practices without financial strain. This shift not only reduces the environmental impact but also contributes to long-term resilience in agriculture.
Moreover, economic empowerment from these innovations directly enhances living standards. With better access to resources, farmers and their communities can invest in education, healthcare, clean water, and improved housing. These advancements promote community development, creating healthier, more prosperous environments where both people and the planet can thrive. By embracing sustainable technologies and fostering economic growth, businesses and farmers can create a positive cycle of development that benefits present and future generations.
Forging Strong Partnerships with Rural Workers
Central to our initiative is the promotion of decent and productive employment opportunities that offer income stability and diversification for rural workers. We extend wellbeing services not only to farmworkers but also to their families, enhancing their access to healthcare, education, and clean water. Through investments in community infrastructure, we aim to improve both living and working conditions, ensuring a safer, more supportive environment. In doing so, we also address critical issues such as ending human trafficking and modern slavery, and we work tirelessly to extinguish child labor within the farming sector.
Promotion of Decent and Productive Employment
Central to our initiative is the promotion of decent and productive employment opportunities that offer income stability and diversification for rural workers. We extend wellbeing services not only to farmworkers but also to their families, enhancing their access to healthcare, education, and clean water. Through investments in community infrastructure, we aim to improve both living and working conditions, ensuring a safer, more supportive environment. In doing so, we also address critical issues such as ending human trafficking and modern slavery, and we work tirelessly to extinguish child labor within the farming sector.
Social Protection
Our program places a strong emphasis on social protection, ensuring that farmworkers are safeguarded from exploitation and unsafe working conditions. By providing access to better healthcare facilities, improved housing, and clean water, we restore dignity to the workforce and strengthen their participation in cooperative decision-making. These protections also play a vital role in eradicating human trafficking and modern slavery, creating a more secure and just working environments for all.
Respect for Fundamental Labor Rights
Respecting and promoting fundamental labor rights is at the heart of our initiative. We are dedicated to ensuring that farmworkers are treated fairly and ethically, with access to education and training that fosters skill development and personal growth. Our commitment extends to offering recreational and wellbeing activities that promote overall health. Additionally, we are deeply committed to extinguishing child labor, ensuring that every child has the right to education and a childhood free from exploitation. This holistic approach helps create a more equitable, empowered, and productive workforce.

Sustainability Projects

How is sustainability achieved?  Learn about the programs International Commodities works to improve the lives of farmers, and their communities, to emerge leaders in a world growing with demands.  Trainings help to strengthen the farming workplace and leadership development.  

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