Suragroh, Fyffes’ melon farm in Honduras, has earned GLOBALG.A.P certification for its efforts in transforming its business under local management during the past two years.
GLOBALG.A.P recognises farms for initiatives that spur safe food production and safeguard worker health and safety, the environment, and the welfare of local communities. In October 2001, Fyffes was the first company ever to certify GLOBALG.A.P. (EurepGAP) for bananas.
“We have been unwavering in our support of best agricultural practices since then, and it is with immense pride and gratitude to my colleagues that our melon operations are also now being recognised,” said Hugo Hays, Fyffes Global Director of Compliance and Food Safety. “Achieving this certification has needed some fundamental changes to our melon production systems and philosophy, which our teams have fully embraced, to offer full confidence to customers worldwide of our commitment to leading-edge compliance.”
Fyffes started the process of revamping both its Honduran and Guatemalan melon businesses in 2021. It appointed new leaders, including Genivaldo Pereira to General Manager of Melon Operations. Since then, the farms have improved social and labour standards and environmental stewardship. Its strong governance helped Suragroh earn the coveted Socially Responsible Company Seal from the Honduran Foundation for Socially Responsible Business (FUNDAHRSE) last year.
Fyffes says the new new GLOBALG.A.P. certification shows a commitment to advancing good agricultural and sustainable practices.
“My goal since I joined Fyffes melon business, has been to transform the melon farms and packhouses so that we can grow the business,” Pereira said. “This certification is valued by our customers all over the world but especially in Europe, providing a springboard for global growth for our business and benefitting the local communities.”
