On 1st July 2008 Simon Banda, the FLO Liason Officer for Southern Africa visited Satemwa Tea Estate. He met with members of the JB together with Management representatives. Among others the following issues were discussed:
1. The Fair Trade standard
2. Audit feed back from Flo-cert.
3. Current premium and Premium projects as per work plan.
4. The future regarding Fair trade activities.
5. Smallholder Tea Growers FT stadards and audit check lists.
He should have been accompanied by Mr. Mathias Kuhlman the FLO boss but the later had travel problems. However, Simon managed to come.
After discussions, Mr. Mandala the Fair trade Officer for Satemwa asked Simon to consider organising training programs for both Joint Body and Management members, on FT standard.
Mandala cited a situation where more producers are getting Fair trade certified hence reducing the Ft market share. This, he said requires a strategic approach in order to create barriers to would be competitors and the only possible way to achieve this is by offering quality products and complying with FT requirements.
On this note Simon was advised that Satemwa JB members will be undergoing a capacity building program to be facilitated by a Consultant.
He commended us for this. He branded this move as "going beyond Fair trade" which would also enhance the competitive advantage.
For more info visit www.satemwa.com
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