Several communities have chosen projects involving electricity. In the absence of electrical lines, solar power is a natural choice. In the Philippines, solar power units were purchased so farmers can charge their cell phones and receive communication about when the banana truck will arrive. Until then, farmers spent several hours walking to the next charging station. Since installation, the units also provide light, power other devices, and with that, raise the standard of living. That was in 2014. Currently Celebes Coconut is providing whole villages with solar lighting. The 2023 project will light seven villages with a total of some 30,000 inhabitants. This project is a great example how the projects create a dynamic of their own. Yes, the Community Development Fee provides capital to be used for such purposes, but once started, people get inspired and other contributions flow in.  

In this case these high numbers of beneficiaries are possible because  municipalities and volunteers join forces in assembling and installing the lighting. For a complete report of this project, click here.

We promote food security programs for farm workers. Prodosa makes a portion of the land that is currently not cultivated available for workers so they can grow their own vegetables. Seeds, a seminar to introduce vegetable growing, and the land is provided at no cost. 

Coconut seed distribution in the Philippines and Kaffir Lime cutting distribution in Thailand has provided valuable economic opportunity to communities.

Funding on harvest sites to bring in new farming technology helps farmers to operate more safely and efficiently. Jiangxi in China has been working on the sustainable harvesting of ginger. Meanwhile, Akoma Cooperative in Ghana has invested in Shea Butter manufacturing equipment to help women, the primary producers, become less fatigued in the butter churning process. State of the art milking machines have helped Akshayakalpa to increase productivity and encourage animal welfare.

COFE in Cambodia finished the state of the art rice mill  in 2021, pictured below.

Two of our Dominican banana producer groups have decided to help Haitian immigrant workers obtain work permits. 

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In 2016, at a time when the government threatened to deport Haitian immigrant workers, BioTropic's farmer community decided to spend funds for tracking down documents and provide the training needed for applications to work permits. 

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Currently, Prodosa is doing the same thing.  Most of the workers in banana production are from Haiti and the fear of deportation impacts the whole community. Funds are used to support workers getting work permits. 

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After severe damage by tropical storms in 2017, workers decided to support producer morale by creating a worker compensation fund for lost wages and investment into an inter-village soccer team. Jerseys and gear were purchased and travel costs to nearby villages covered. 

Producers opt to invest not only in the continued education of their farmers, but support the development of the upcoming generation. Many producers, including La Samaria and Elite Naturel Organic, have built fully enclosed primary schools for the local village.

In a post pandemic world, many schools have opted to offer classes online only. This can act as a huge barrier to access for those without internet access at home. Purplehills Agroexports invested in brand new Acer laptops for each student in their local school. 

To be sure all students feel comfortable in school, x opted to distribute fresh uniforms and hygiene products.

Celebes funds the college education of qualifying students with a FairTSA Scholarship each year.