bloom social report 2010

S o c i a l r e p o r t 20 09/2010Update on ethical standards and corporate

responsibility on blooM sUpplier farMs

beautiful flowers • beautiful people

1u p dat e o n e t h i c a l s ta n da r d s a n d co r p o r at e s o c i a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o n b lo o M s u p p l i e r fa r M s

update on ethical standards and corporate social responsibility on blooM supplier farMsa report for bloom

TANZANIA

KENYA

ZAMBIA

UGANDA

UNITEDKINGDOM

UNITED STATESOF AMERICA

2 s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

HigHligHts of major projects across all farms

1. oserian (Kenya)

- completion and handover of inkorienito primary school to the community. the school; solely funded by the oserian Joint body, is targeting children between the ages of 5 to 14 years within the Maasai community. there are eight classes capable of taking in 40 pupils each in addition to an early childhood development centre for the pre-primary children.

- ongoing construction of naivasha Women’s hospital in conjunction with other Joint bodies with the donation for oxygen piping at the hospital. oserian continues to be the largest individual contributor for this hospital with an expected capacity of 80 beds.

2. ravine roses (Kenya)

- construction of a multipurpose resource centre for the workers which shall host a computer lab, tailoring room, recreation rooms, library, conference facility and workers community shop on completion.

- official opening of two classrooms at toniok Girls by the General Manager ravine roses Mr. emeritus on 10th June 2010.

3. nini (Kenya)

- running of the coulson schools for girls coupled with both financial and material support.

- support of the Mirera primary and secondary schools both financially and materially.

- financial sponsorship of the women’s football tournament through the organizers nacohaG, an aids/hiV nGo.


HigHligHts of major projects across all farms

4. Bigot (Kenya)

- construction of a classroom at Kabati highway primary school to save the pupils from using a rundown tent.

- construction of suitable and improved sanitary facilities for a school for physically challenged children.

- donation of a water tank to Karati primary school.

5. fontana (Kenya)

- donations towards internally displaced persons.

- provision of mobile phones for all employees on simple monthly instalments.

- renovation of sanitary facilities at a nearby chief’s camp.

6. tropiflora (Kenya)

- donation of water tanks for rain harvesting to a neighbouring school.

- school bursaries and scholarships for students. - Vocational training carried out for employees

to build life skills.

7. roseto (Kenya)

- supply of vegetables free of charge to neighbouring schools and to orphans.

- planting of trees in and around the company compound.

- donation of road construction materials to the nakuru – salgaa highway (free of charge).

8. Waridi (Kenya)

- provision of mosquito nets and anti malaria training for workers.

- purchase of a bus as an income generating project through outside hire.

- provision of water tanks to schools to allow them store water during the rainy season.

- donation of pupils’ and teachers’ desks to neighbouring schools.

9. Buds and Blooms (Kenya)

- facilitation of hiV/aids training on the farm. - ongoing tree planting on the farm to increase

biodiversity. - encouragement of a sporting culture through

company supported recreational activities.

10. tamBuzi (Kenya)

- educational support through awarding, employment of teachers and donation of food, text books and desks.

- financial support to the local government dispensary.

- Good environmental stewardship through tree planting and garbage collection.

11. primarosa (Kenya)

- construction and donation of desks to a nearby primary school.

- training of workers on various skill developments.

- a bursary project for employees’ children in secondary school.

12. KHal amazi (zamBia)

- building of a nursery school for employees’ children.

- renovation and establishment of employee housing.

- building of additional toilets for the farm housing area and throughout the workplace.

- support of sport and entertainment on the farm.

13. Kiliflora (tanzania)

- secondary school fees assistance provided for the surrounding community aimed at increasing enrolment with over 80 students benefiting.

- sponsorship of adult education for workers and community in secondary schools.

- efforts towards environmental conservation through distribution of seedlings to the community.

- donation of play equipment to a community playground.

14. mairye estates (uganda)

- tree planting of additional trees extending the count to 80,000 plants.

- new houses for staff.

KENYA

The Oserian stand at the Nakuru National Agricultural Show

Inkorienito School afterInkorienito School before

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

1.


1. oserianK e n ya

general

- donation of tree seedlings to the provincial administration to help re-afforestation projects for the lake naivasha catchment.

- participation in the World biodiversity celebrations in naivasha in May 2010 which resulted in sensitization of the local community on matters of environmental protection.

- completion of the following audits: - Noise survey for all work sites - Farm wide fire safety audit - Compliance with statutory health and safety audit requirements - Statutory audit for environment management

- participation in the nakuru national agricultural society of Kenya show in July 2010 where the farm was awarded the following: - Best Medium Commercial Trade Stand – First place - Best Agricultural based stand – Non Statutory – First Place - Best Agribusiness trade stand – 2nd Place - Best Environmental Management Trade Stand – 3rd Place - Stand that best demonstrates Technology & Innovation – 3rd Place

fairtrade/csr and environmental projects undertaKen

- construction of naivasha Women’s hospital oxygen piping. - construction of the inkorienito school for the community. - electrification of one of the estates. - donation of secondary school bursaries. - bursary donations for orphans. - donation of education materials to oserian schools. - equipping the training centre and computer laboratories with it equipment. - purchase of sports equipment to encourage a sporting culture. - support for people living with hiV/aids. - donation to persons with disabilities. - donation towards the running of the health centre. - fairtrade awareness and sensitization. - secondary bursaries donations for the greater community. - higher education bursaries for employees and their dependants. - funding to promote activities of self help groups. - shop stewards training to improve awareness and empowerment. - donation of chemicals towards oserian high school laboratory. - environmental conservation through construction of storm water drain.

certification status

- bopp packhouse - Mps a - flo - leaf - Kfc silver

KENYA

Performance by students during the opening of classrooms at Toniok Girls

Plaque outside the classrooms

The resource centre under construction

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

2.


2. ravine rosesK e n ya

general

- continued beautification of “ravine town” and tree planting. - a composting project in progress where the company has donated land, provided organic waste

matter, electricity and water; and the Joint body purchased a shredder, constructed a shed and engaged personnel for production of energy saving and sustainable briquettes.


- construction of an all inclusive resource centre for the workers, which upon completion shall host a computer lab, tailoring room, recreation rooms, library, and conference facility and workers community shop. a community library has been proposed by the workers through the Waitrose foundation funding to empower the workers and the community by providing quality learning experiences that develop the knowledge and skills,

- promoting education of the african Girl child through construction of two classrooms at the neighbouring toniok Girls.

- provision of affordable school fees loans through the edu-credit program where workers obtain subsidized loans on a check off system.

- ongoing medical outreach program to provide employees and surrounding community with services in immunization, family planning, hiV/aids awareness & Vct services, antenatal services and pMtct (prevention of Mother to child transmission of hiV/aids) services.

- ongoing sports fund program to support all sport activities for the workers through provision of kits and playing equipment as well as facilitation of tournaments trips in terms of accommodation and meals.

- installation of a water pump and rejuvenation of community borehole, piping for water supply to Kapkoi water reservoir and chepsito village, renovation of Kapkoi water reservoir and construction of chepsito reservoir.

- a bursary scheme for intelligent by needy students where up to 30 students have benefited.


- bopp packhouse - Mps a - Mps Gap - Mps socially Qualified - flo - leaf - eti assessed

KENYA

Watering pond specifically constructed for Animals

Rain water harvesting at the farm

An area set aside specifically for wildlife on the farm

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

3.


3. niniK e n ya

general

- support of the naivasha hortifair which is a trust to support community projects within naivasha region: naivasha crafty fair for rehabilitated street children, united disabled people’s Marathon, the Mayor’s christmas tree fund and lake naivasha Grower’s group amongst others.

- the company through lnGG (lake naivasha Growers Group) gives money to the local municipal council every year towards improving the community amenities within the council. the money is used to improve services to the communities such as water sewage and health.

- production and sales Managers sit on several committees involved in community service such as lake naivasha Grower’s group, naivasha hortifair, naivasha community project and the naivasha community hiV Group.

- the assistant Grower Manager, a past rotarian president, is actively involved with rotary projects including the safe house in naivasha for abused children, water tank projects, toilet construction & books for schools projects.

- support of a hiV/aids group that has managed to mobilise workers and enlightened them of hiV/aids and its effect on stigmatisation through performance of plays and holding of seminars with fellow workers.

- active involvement by the company director and manager in the rhino charge – a rally aimed at raising money for protection of rhinos and to put up a fence around the aberdare’s mountain to protect the forest and rivers that provide water to nairobi and lake naivasha – raising millions of shillings for the rhino ark trust.

csr and environmental projects undertaKen

- active involvement of the chairman and General Manager in the running of the coulson schools for girls and initiated to provide students in the immediate community access to secondary school education. this includes photocopies for their examination papers of around thirty thousand copies a term as well as financial support.

- the company also supports the Mirera primary and secondary schools both financially and materially. - twice weekly water delivery using a bowser by the Managing director to Karagita shopping centre to

water trees planted to beautify the township during dry season. - sponsorship of two teams for the annual wheelbarrow race held at hell’s gate to raise funds for the

parks community centre. - facilitation of both the men’s and women’s volley ball teams with the women’s football team which

has won an hiV/aids sensitization tournament. - financial sponsorship of the women’s football tournament through the organizers nacohaG, an aids

hiV nGo. - the company boast of supporting a strong ptc group that has managed to mobilise workers and

enlightened them of hiV/aids and its effect on stigmatisation. the group performs plays and hold seminars with fellow workers.

- funeral expenses for employees are covered by the company up to Ksh. 19,000 to assist with transport and purchase of the coffin.


- Mps a - Mps Gap - Mps social with eti - Kfc silver - eti assessed

KENYA

Water tank donated to Karati Primary School

Tent in use as a classroom at Kabati Highway Primary School

Classroom construction in progress

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

4.


4. BigotK e n ya

general

- tree planting at the neighbouring chief’s camp during the rainy season sponsored by the company. - ongoing establishment of a tree nursery to provide workers with trees for planting in their homes. - ongoing provision of, lunch free of cost, to employees with the contribution of a vegetable nursery

established by the company for the same. - Monetary contribution to national events by the company with a view to promote social cohesion. - biannual donation of foodstuffs by the company to the children’s shelter in naivasha.


- ongoing construction of a classroom at Kabati highway primary school to better accommodate pupils who were using a tent for classes.

- donation of a water tank to Karati primary school. the school now harvests rain water for storage allowing provision of a regular and safer source of drinking water for the pupils.

- construction of better sanitary facilities (latrines) for Karati school for the disabled; a school for physically challenged children who previously using latrines that were in a very poor condition.

- home improvement, to improve the living standard of the employees. among them issuance of television sets and dVd’s to the bigot flowers employees. prior to becoming fairtrade certified many employees could not afford these items but with favourable home improvement loans now they can.

- sponsorship of workers for various courses with an aim to impart life skills. these include garment making, hairdressing, driving, and computer studies among others.

- Joint body training on leadership skills with an aim to build capacity; in project planning and financial management.

- the company facilitates hiV/aids awareness through the company clinic on an ongoing basis.


- Mps a - Mps Gap - Mps socially Qualified - flo - eti assessed

KENYA

Distribution of phones to the employees

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

5.


5. fontanaK e n ya

general

- upward review of wages, sick leave and annual leave according to the cba. - introduction of an one hour nursing break of up to six months for nursing employees.


- donation in monetary terms for internally displaced persons within the division. - provision of mosquito nets to all company employees. - provision of mobile phones for all employees on simple monthly instalments over two months with a

view to improve communication using modern technology. - ongoing maintenance of access roads to the farm. - continued provision of borehole water, free of cost, to two neighbouring schools. - renovation of sanitary facilities at a nearby chief’s camp. - renovation of the farms’ tree nursery to accommodate between 10,000 and 20,000 trees at a time for

planting on the farm. - efforts towards environmental conservation in the neighbourhood through donation of 1,000 tree

seedlings to sunshine Jua farm nursery school on their tree-planting day in May 2010. - facilitation of activities by aphia ii towards the fight against hiV/aids in the following:

- Formation of steering committee and the appointment of peer educators - Condom distribution to prevent spread of HIV and STI’s - Post-exposure prophylaxis in the event of accidental exposure - Referral for medical checks and treatment / provision of ART (Antiretrovirals)


- Mps b - eti assessed

KENYA

Active recreation program at Tropiflora

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010


6. tropifloraK e n ya

general

- ongoing housing rehabilitation and extension of housing on site. - successful negotiation of the new cba as part of the flower growers group, aea. - continued tree planting towards better conservation. - district sponsorship to the agricultural society of Kenya annual show. - local administration contribution towards marking celebration of national holidays. - participation in the project committee for the local community. - participation in Water resources users association committee in determining responsible water use

and protection of the riparian environment.


- donation of water tanks for rain harvesting to Kabuku primary school. - school bursaries granted to employees’ children. - scholarships awarded to needy but intelligent students. - training of all Joint body officials in computer courses to ensure adequate capacity in carrying out

official committee tasks. - Joint body training in leadership, project identification, project prioritization, project planning,

project implementation, risk management, monitoring, record keeping, meeting management and communication.

- Vocational training carried out for employees to build life skills.

certification

- bopp packhouse - Mps a. - Mps Gap - Mps social - flo - eti assessed

KENYA

Harvesting of Phytseilius persimlis in the new tunnels

Trees planted outside the administration block and pack house

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

7.


7. rosetoK e n ya

general

- new wages have come into effect commencing september 2010 with a 20% increment for permanent workers and a 25% house allowance across the board.

- the newly constructed dam has led to a decrease in power due to the relative close proximity to farm compared to the formerly used boreholes; ultimately improving the carbon footprint of the farm.

- the water from the new dam has better quality and as result water draining from the hydroponic medium has less sodium which in higher quality water with less sodium, eventually leaching less chemicals to the ground.

- establishment of 25 tunnels for the production of phytseilius persimlis with an objective to control spider mites; this has in turn reduced the use of miticides significantly with a positive effect on the environment.


- supply of vegetables free of charge to either a neighbouring school or to orphans. - set-up of a clinic on site and recruited a nurse to ensure the health of employees; with treatment and

drugs free of cost. - environmental conservation through planting of trees in and around the company compound. - donation of road construction materials to the nakuru – salgaa highway free of charge. - continued provision of free meals for employees.

certification

- Kfc

KENYA

Joint Body Bus used as an income generating project

Recreation in progress at the farm

Tree planting at neighbouring schools

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

8.


8. WaridiK e n ya

general

- an increase in the production zones has resulted in a corresponding increase in the employment opportunities for the local community.

- ongoing renovation of the employee housing as well as construction of additional housing.


- Mosquito nets provided for the anti malaria campaign and training of workers on betters ways of eradicating the epidemic in the surrounding area; ukambani.

- skills training for workers in computers and driving. - home improvement for workers through revolving funds. - hiV/aids peer group training. - purchase of a bus as an “income generating project” through outside hire. - Vegetable project in place for improvement of agricultural knowhow and empowerment of workers

and community at large on better methods of farming. - purchase of sports equipment to encourage more creative use of time after work and promote

socialization. - indoor games including darts and table tennis within the company premises during working breaks. - a vegetable project that has resulted from the construction of water weirs assisting workers acquire

vegetables at a lower price and at closer proximity to the work area. - provision of water tanks to schools to allow them to store water during the rainy season. - donation of pupils’ and teachers’ desks to neighbouring schools. - promotion of tree projects through provision of lower cost tree seedlings to schools and the

neighbouring communities.


- bopp packhouse - Mps b - Mps Gap - Kfc silver - flo

KENYA

Collection and application of Phytoseilus persimilis

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

9.


9. Buds and BloomsK e n ya

general

- training of employees on health and safety at the work place. - payslips are now issued to all employees. - introduction of a rest day for “piece rate” employees for every 7 days worked. - review of overtime working hours to ensure that these do not exceed 12 hours a week as per the eti

base code. - paternity has been introduced.


- an integrated pest management program is in place through use of phytoseilus persimilis in addition to the use of environment friendly chemicals and fertilizers.

- facilitation of hiV/aids training on the farm undertaken by various nGo’s. - ongoing tree planting on the farm to increase biodiversity. - encouragement of a sporting culture through soccer games for recreation on the farm with the

equipment provided by the company. - harvesting of rain water to afford a break to the boreholes on the farm.


- Mps a - eti assessed

KENYA

Head teacher and pupils engaging in tree planting

One of the pupils really gets into it

Donated water tank

Pupils at Kabanga School excited with receipt of their new football strips

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010


- certification status - bopp packhouse - Kfc silver - Kfc Gold - leaf Marque - flo


10. tamBuziK e n ya

general

- involved in environment rehabilitation through tree planting initiatives with community schools and have supplied them with close to 7,000 trees since 2007 to date.

- ensuring a clean environment through employing of personnel to collect and dispose rubbish in the burguret-Matanya road as well in the shopping centers 3 days a week and provision of waste bins to shopping centres.


- educational support through awarding trophies to best improved boy and girl at the end of the year in three community primary schools.

- provision of 35 sunKing solar reading lamps for students and teachers of Mukuri primary school. - provision of diaries for class 8 students at Mukuri primary school to track homework - assisting ptas in employing teachers in these community schools with an aim to improve the teacher

pupil contact, resulting in improved academic performance. - offered attachment spaces at the flower farm to college students from the community to help

improve their knowledge and acquire hands-on practical skills. - offers farm walks to schools, colleges, universities and Water users associations, to gain knowledge

in horticulture and environment conservation practices. - supports a local primary school in growing its own food through provision of maize and bean seed

and land preparation ensuring a more sustainable food supply to the school. - every end of year, tambuzi provides a meal to standard 8 pupils while sitting for their final exams and

also a special end of year meal is provided to the rest of the school pupils and teachers. - construction of Kitchen and dining hall at Mukuri primary school. - Water storage facility in schools through provision of 2300 litre water tanks (tigithi & burguret

primary schools). - putting up the burguret dispensary sign both at the road head and within the dispensary compound. - installation of two energy saving stoves in each of the three community primary schools (Mukuri,

tigithi and Kiboya) to help in cooking. - donation of vegetables to children’s homes around burguret and nanyuki. - imported 16 full football strips for a Girls and boys team from each of 8 local primary schools. - donation of 16 footballs and 16 whistles to 8 community schools. - organizing a football tournament amongst 8 community schools. - sponsorship of safe play in two secondary schools in the community (tigithi and burguret

secondary schools). safe play creates hiV/aids awareness to secondary school pupils. - provision of flowers during the national peace and reconciliation accord first anniversary campaign

event to Kenyans. - donation of flowers to nanyuki asK shows. - cash donation to Medecins sans frontieres’ haiti earthquake appeal - cash & flower donation to naro-Moru children’s disabled home - in a private/public partnership with burguret dispensary, a government dispensary by giving

financial support to employ a second nurse so as to serve the community as well as sponsorship of the dispensary sign board on the burguret-Matanya road.

- assistance provided to Kiahuko community self help Group, a women’s group to successfully apply for a grant from Mt. Kenya coMpact initiative. the project involves the setting up of a facility to make earth bricks, the provision of energy saving stoves and the formation of a community bakery. tambuzi will provide ongoing assistance with nursery training and financial management of the funds.

- Vermiculite culture used to naturally and chemically free improve production. - support of girl child education through secondary school sponsoring of best girl pupil in the year

2006 from Mukuri primary school. - participation in the Management committee of burguret river users association to help conserve

and rehabilitate the burguret river catchment area. - timber donation in aid of a laboratory construction at burguret secondary school.

KENYA

Netball Team

Driving class in progress

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

11.


11. primarosaK e n ya

general

- promotion of sporting activities by establishing clubs for employees for football, volley ball club, darts and net ball.


- construction and donation of 50 desks to Kanaani primary school where majority of employees takes their children to. an average of 4 to 5 children shared one desk. the school does not receive government support.

- training of workers on various skill developments to improve skills in the following areas: driving, computer courses, catering, hairdressing and project management.

- a bursary project for employees’ children in secondary school with up to 60 students benefiting. - acquired a computer, computer accessories and other communication equipment to facilitate

documentation of Joint body activities. - purchase of sports equipment worth a quarter million shillings for the football, volleyball, netball and

darts teams. - Joint body training in: introduction to fairtrade, project selection & implementation and financial

management.


- bopp packhouse - Kfc silver - flo – certificate

ZAMBIA

New nursery school facility for workers’ children

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

12.


12. KHal amaziZ a M b i a

general

- increase in the number of greenhouses by two hectares. these were old green house structures that have been recycled and reconstructed on a new site with another expansion currently being undertaken.

- increase in job opportunities with the additional greenhouses with more to be expected. - construction of two managers’ houses ongoing. - a gum tree plantation for the farm comprising 17,000 trees with preparation for a further 8,500 trees

in october. - increase in the number of staff training covering different areas including first aid under the Zambia

red cross society, safe use of pesticides on the farm together with effective spraying, hiV/aids campaign awareness and health and safety refresher training.


- renovation of a number of old houses in the farm village. - a new dormitory that can accommodate sixteen families has been put up. - building of a nursery school for the children on the farm with a fenced garden area so that the

children are constructively and safely while their parents are at work. - More toilets have been built for the farm housing area and throughout the workplace. - continued transport provision for the labour force. - provision of both a football and netball pitch for the employees in support of sport and

entertainment. - ongoing monthly under-five medical clinic program. - assistance to a local school, silver rest basic, with transport through donation of diesel. - the local police station also benefits from diesel donated by the farm. - ongoing maintenance of the roads with more drainage systems in place. - application of molasses and water on the roads to keep down the dust. - there is a dam in place to improve water conservation. - Major construction works ongoing on the spill ways to prevent erosion and ensure more efficient

water storage.


- bopp packhouse - Mps b - Mps Gap - eti assessed

TANZANIA

Demonstration plot for food and tree planting

Computer students in session

Children at Lenganga Nursery School

A sponsored disabled Child at Royal School

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010


13. Kiliflorata n Z a n i a

general

- increase in wages with a review of the production bonus - the wages have been increased as follows: - Workers living more than 5 km away from the farm are provided with transport. - employee housing has been painted, roofs repaired and plumbing works carried out. - the occupational health and safety policy has been revised in september 2010. - training undertaken for the Joint body committee and first aiders in august 2010. - family planning services provided for employees free of cost.


- Maintenance of Magadirisho access road carried out. - provision of fuel to usa river police for night patrols. - secondary school fees assistance provided for the surrounding community aimed at increasing

enrolment with over 80 students benefiting. - a-level and college school fees assistance for the communities at chekereni, usa river and Mlangarini

with 6 students benefiting. - sponsorship of nursery school education with a view to improving early education. - sponsorship of adult education in secondary school in order to assist workers and the community

attain ordinary level of secondary education with 60 beneficiaries. - assistance to disabled persons and orphans with school fees and educational materials including a

wheel chair for one child. - computer courses to impart skills and create employment opportunities for community members

with 15 beneficiaries. - promotion of higher learning with sponsorship of three community members. - a revolving fund is in place to provide loans to workers to enable them start small and medium

enterprises to improve the socio-economic status. - efforts towards environmental conservation through distribution of seedlings to the community. - demonstration plot to display and instruct the community on better methods of food production

and planting tree seedlings. - driving courses to impart useful skills to the community with 60 workers and members of the

community benefiting. - Gender training to create awareness amongst workers and the community at large with 70 persons

trained over a period of 5 days. - donation of play equipment to a community play ground including a see-saw, a merry go round,

swings and a slide.


- bopp packhouse - Mps c - Mps Gap - Mps socially Qualified - flo – certificate

UGANDA

Ongoing renovation at the neighbourhood church

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

14.


14. mairye estatesu G a n da

general

- tree planting has been increased up from 40 to 100 hectares. pine and eucalyptus trees have been planted as a long term carbon neutral environmental project.

- routine maintenance has been carried out for the access roads before and after rainy season. - there has been construction of new houses on the farm for the staff. - a clinic is being set up with a facility for a visiting doctor and nurse for all the employees.


- renovation of the neighbourhood church is ongoing and will be open to community soon. - construction of new solitary houses with single and double room facilities for the staff is in progress. - the company facilitates the employees’ football team with participation in the corporate league. - a volley ball pitch and team is in progress aimed at improving recreation of employees.


- Mps sQ - Mps Gap - eti assessed

Samson Lukoba, the Ethical Trade Manager, receives a prize from H.E. President Mwai Kibaki

Peter Zwager, Chairman of the Mavuno Group at the signing of the Integration

Flowers with bracelets in Kesko Finland stores

One of the scented Fairtrade bouquets

s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010


general events, visits and HigHligHts

a successful introduction of the Mavuno Group was launched in June 2009 with producers from all over Kenya being invited to a series of regional Grower’s meetings in nakuru, naivasha, thika and athi. Mavuno as a vertically integrated seed to sale brand was explained to the producers.

carrying on with trend of consistent efforts at improvement, the tele flower auction of the Mavuno Group integrated its activities with flora holland on 14th January 2010. this means that current tfa suppliers will broaden their sales network and strengthen their trade opportunities by connecting to the virtual clock systems of flora holland. this represents a larger market potential for their current growers and buyers which means increased efficiency in the logistical chain. the Mavuno Group is focused on creating growth and results through partnerships and cooperation, developing synergies and allowing talent to flourish in the global fresh flower industry.

With regard to fairtrade, several fairtrade consultative meetings have been held in 2009 bringing together both hired labour and small scale producers in flowers, tea and coffee to address various challenges being faced by producers and culminating in a very eventful producer meeting with the standards committee and the standards unit of flo.

the hitherto dormant Kenya fairtrade network was introduced to the producers and discussions on how Kfn can be the voice of the producers was discussed with promising conclusions.

paul rice, president and ceo of transfair usa visited Kenya in early July and met with the Mavuno ethical trade representative. he was impressed by all the work that is being carried out by Mavuno producers in respect to fairtrade and the evident commitment towards the same. transfair usa is a member of the fairtrade labeling organizations and is the only certifier of fair trade products in the us. - the us market for fair trade products has surpassed $730 million and grows more than 50% each year. - 33% annual growth in consumer awareness since 2003 - high purchase conversion: 56% of those aware of fair trade also purchase it, compared

to 30% for organic.

to round up on fairtrade news early 2010, Zachary Kiarie who has been the liaison officer supporting flower producers in Kenya and tanzania for the past two years has recently been appointed as the new flo psr regional coordinator for east africa.

still on social issues, Mavuno Group suppliers played an active role in several conferences beginning with the GhoWern conference held in september 2009. GhoWern, which stands for Global horticultural Worker’s and environmental rights network seeking to bring together a range of stakeholders including workers, trade unions and nGo representatives and employers. it provided an opportunity for networking and exchanging of experiences and ideas with the aim of improving the working conditions and environmental standards of the global horticultural sector.

the first ever sainsbury’s africa conferences in february 2010 presented a valuable opportunity for producers to find out more about sainsbury’s and for the supermarket to address crucial issues facing producers. sainsbury’s is a major supermarket in the uK and sustainably sourcing high quality products from africa. these events were supported by the international agri-technology centre (iatc) and comic relief. issues of sustainability and fairtrade were discussed at length, the way forward to the benefit of all and how to sustain the momentum on the progress made so far. during the event, oserian was one of the lucky farms to be awarded african producer awards for 2010.

Oserian team receive the Best Charity Stand Trophy

The Oserian stand at the NHF

34 s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

from the markets; the Waitrose foundation was launched in Kenya in June with a visit by Mary Visozo the director of food technology at Waitrose supermarkets. the Waitrose foundation is an independent charitable organization established three years ago, which allows Waitrose to develop and support schemes that contribute to the communities where their suppliers live and work.

the Waitrose foundation works through an agreement with importers, export agents and growers, which enables Waitrose and their suppliers to pass back a proportion of the profit for every product bearing the Waitrose foundation logo.

With regard to mainland europe, oserian and sister company bloom in conjunction with albert heijn come together to give back to the community in a very unique way. Various communities were contracted to produce bracelets which were to adorn these bunches.

in this way, oserian created employment for members of the community and gave these communities an ownership for the work carried out. Moreover the customers purchased fairtrade bunches of flowers with added value and an african touch. these bunches also brought in fairtrade premiums that contribute to various fairtrade projects for the benefit of the entire oserian community. the Kenyan ambassador, ruthie rono was present during the launch of these unique bunches. this has set a precedent for other such projects in the future where the entire supply chain from customer to communities are in contact and are mutually benefiting each other in hither to unexplored means and ways.

in the interests of objectivity, World flowers in the uK had an eti verification visit whose objective was to validate the Wf eti report. the eti director and other participants drawn from an nGo, union representative and the company producing eti reports acknowledged World flowers’ good practices and encouraged better performance going forward despite commercial pressures.

the popularity of the bracelet projects which begun in 2009 have grown exponentially in popularity with several supermarkets running promotions. the idea behind the bracelets, is that various communities are contracted to produce bracelets which are to adorn fairtrade bunches. in this way, oserian creates employment for members of the community and gives these communities an ownership for the work carried out. Moreover the customers purchased fairtrade bunches of flowers with added value and an african touch.

Hamish Ker, Production Director Oserian, receives the Award from Judith Batchelor, Brand Director Sainsbury’s.

The Best Charity Stand trophy


interflora launched a new scented rose collection at the rhs chelsea flower show in May 2010. the launch further opened the market to this niche product that has a lot of potential for growth. an increasing awareness and appreciation of the products on offer has been recognized. all of the roses in the bouquets are fairtrade certified in addition to being colourful, sweet smelling and distinctive. Karen barnes, head of floral Gifting at interflora, explained that a research visit to a fairtrade farm in Kenya in the autumn of 2009 where she was presented with some of the varieties was the inspiration for this line; citing an amazing scent, intoxicating fragrance that reminded her of old-fashioned english country garden roses and was sure that the customers would love them.

oserian participated in the nakuru asK show, the largest held in the rift Valley province in Kenya. the show is held annually, exhibiting the agricultural sector and business supporting agriculture. oserian had display stands in tissue culture, production, ipM (integrated pest Management) & pest control, geothermal energy, packhouse, csr (corporate social responsibility) and environment & wildlife; winning two awards in the trade category: - best Medium commercial trade stand - best non statutory agribusiness trade stand

oserian also took part in the naivasha horticultural fair (nhf) on friday 10th and saturday 11th september 2010 an annual event held at the naivasha sports club. nhf is 100% charitable and is the second largest exhibitor’s event of its kind in africa after hortec, bringing together horticultural producers and key buyers and suppliers in the industry.

nhf provides an opportunity to learn more about the industry, new products and techniques as well as a platform for professionals to network. above all, nhf brings together players in the industry with an aim to give back to the community through donations to schools, children’s homes as well as hiV/aids projects and community health care.

at the oserian stand, oserian show cased tissue culture and its relevance to the industry, the huge environmental strides made so far, geothermal power generation, packhouse process and products as well as csr projects intended for the community at large.

oserian was the only organization that demonstrated csr initiatives during the fair at the stand and as a result won a trophy for best charity stand 2010.

Compiled by Wambui Gikenye – Group Technologist, Mavuno Group Kenya

36 s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

summary of flo premiumso n b lo o M s u p p l i e r fa r M s 2009

oserian completed projects for oserian

premium Monies received from bloom projects implemented actual expenditure (Ksh.)

sterling pounds £ 337.251,52 service to the community

equivalent in Kes Kes 40.132.930,88 construction of storm water drain at oserian high school 3.176.757,00

support to persons living with hiV/aids through food supplements 2.886.862,00

euros € 233.833,49 hiV/aids day activities 1.754.650,00

equivalent in Kes Kes 24.084.849,47 purchasing sports equipments 1.759.799,00

drilling of a borehole at ngondi 1.500.000,00

total in Kes Kes 64.217.780,35 electrification of one of the estates 423.400,00

construction of an incinerator pit at ngondi dispensary 380.000,00

tree planting at olkaria 50.000,00

sub total 11.931.468,00

Health

donation to the health dispensary 13.445.851,00

donations towards construction of naivasha Women’s hospital 5.219.072,00

sub total 18.664.923,00

education

construction works for the training centre 20.995.606,05

construction of inkorienito primary school and consultancy charges 13.519.904,10

running costs for the current training centre 5.895.983,00

secondary school bursaries 5.417.912,80

higher education bursaries 4.838.100,00

educational materials for oserian schools 1.956.888,00

donation of books to iseneto primary school 267.380,00

computer services and installation of new accessories and furniture 2.287.730,50

sub total 55.179.504,45

capacity Building and empowerment

purchase of Joint body assets 15.230.079,00

fairtrade awareness and sensitization 4.626.807,40

Joint body training and capacity building 2.880.000,00

legal fees for running of projects 556.696,00

sub total 23.293.582,40

grand total 109.069.477,85

primarosa completed projects for primarosa


sterling pounds £ 36.034,85 education

equivalent in Kes Kes 4.288.147,15 purchase of school desks at Kanaani primary school 150.000,00

bursaries for needy students 200.000,00

euros € 21.968,93 sub total 350.000,00

equivalent in Kes Kes 2.262.799,79 capacity Building and empowerment

Vocational courses in computers and driving 1.200.000,00

total in Kes Kes 6.550.946,94 capacity building for Jb members 951.000,00

sub total 2.151.000,00

grand total 2.501.000,00


ravine completed projects for ravine



equivalent in Kes Kes 18.920.055,14 the resource project comprising a social hall 7.033.108,00

chepsito water tank 1.392.000,00

euros € 81.430,73 donation of food stuffs to red cross 1.000.000,00

equivalent in Kes Kes 8.387.365,19 environmental projects, beautification & tree planting of ravine a composting project 700.100,00

Kampi ya chura footpath 372.085,00

total in Kes Kes 27.307.420,33 cement donation for construction of security camp at a main residential area 47.400,00

sponsorship of a women marathon race 35.000,00

sub total 10.579.693,00

Health

the medical outreach program 461,695.00 461.695,00

sub total 461.695,00

education

edu credit program a school fees loan facility for the workers 9.145.000,00

the bursary scheme of 2009/2010 174.000,00

sub total 9.319.000,00


fairtrade awareness and capacity building trainings 643.018,00

sponsorship of a talented employee to record songs 25.000,00



tropiflora completed projects for tropiflora


sterling pounds £ 11.278,94 education

equivalent in Kes Kes 1.342.193,86 school bursaries Granted for the second term and third term 70.000,00

Vocational training bursaries granted for the second and third term 30.000,00

euros € 2.721,96 sub total 100.000,00

equivalent in Kes Kes 280.361,88 grand total 100.000,00

total in Kes Kes 1.622.555,74

Waridi completed projects for Waridi

premium Monies received from bloom projects implemented actual expenditure to date


equivalent in Kes Kes 1.708.208,11 two water Weirs at Kinanie and Katani 2143610,00

Workers rest place 73109,00

total in Kes Kes 1.708.208,11 sports equipment 49455,00

tree project community expansion 71391,21

sub total 2.337.565,21

education

bursary project for workers children 60,000 60.000,00

donation of learning materials236,870 236.870,00


capacity building and empowerment

capacity building for premium usage 850.517,50

Joint body office expansion 666.607,00

sub total 1.517.124,50


38 s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

summary of flo premiums o n b lo o M s u p p l i e r fa r M s J a n ua r y to s e p t e M b e r 2010

oserian completed projects for oserian

premium Monies received from bloom projects implemented expenditure (Ksh.)

sterling pounds £138.705,54 service to the community

equivalent in Kes Kes 17.338.192,50 estate electrification 7.875.000,00

equipping the training centre with white goods and furniture 4.640.445,00

euros 219.359,63 storm water drain construction 1.028.681,25

equivalent in Kes Kes 23.032.761,15 training centre construction works 395.366,36

donation to disabled people( motorbikes and disabled shoes repair equipment) 151.807,50

income generating projects sub total 14.091.300,11

Kes 3.412.879,50 Health

donation to the health centre and schools 9.375.000,00

total in Kes Kes 43.783.833,15 donation to naivasha women hospital 3.697.267,50

food supplement to people living with hiV/aids 2.706.972,75

World aids day celebration( purchase of t- shirts and caps) 1.585.441,50

donations towards aids awareness ( purchase of-shirts and caps) 52.500,00

sub total 17.417.181,75

education

higher education and secondary school bursaries 14.638.661,25

construction of classes, administration block and staff houses at inkorienito

school

2.895.486,75

full sponsorship of well performing students 537.566,25

bursaries for orphans, community and special schools 464.148,75

donation of a photocopy machine to oserian schools 158.625,00

sub total 18.694.488,00


facilitation of both soccer and Volleyball teams through sportswear and

transport

1.511.535,00

creation of fairtrade awareness 378.015,00

training for the Joint body 286.942,50

shop stewards training 258.652,50

delegates meeting 23.887,50

accounts settlement, audit and legal fees and office running costs 3.231.531,00

sub total 5.690.563,50


39s o c i a l , e t h i c a l a n d e n V i r o n M e n ta l ac h i e V e M e n t s o n b lo o M s u p p l i e r fa r M s

ravine completed projects for ravine



equivalent in Kes Kes 9.065.927,50 construction of resource centre 15.000.000,00

rehabilitation of sabatia forest through tree planting 37.500,00

euros 84.976,44 sub total 15.037.500,00

equivalent in Kes Kes 8.922.526,20 Health

the medical outreach program 37.500,00

total in Kes Kes 17.988.453,70 sub total 37.500,00

education

construction and purchase of furniture for a girls’ secondary school 1.200.000,00

construction of additional sanitary and water storage facilities at ecd 225.000,00

construction of a primary school library block 1.875.000,00

construction of an administration block for a neighbouring primary school 1.004.250,00

sub total 4.304.250,00


capacity building and training 268.800,00

staff welfare support 300.000,00



primarosa completed projects for primarosa


sterling pounds £59.377,78 education

equivalent in Kes Kes 7.422.222,50 bursaries for needy students 573.750,00


euros 21.784,06 capacity Building and empowerment

equivalent in Kes Kes 2.287.326,30 Vocational courses in computers and driving 1.200.000,00

loan to the sacco 750.000,00

total in Kes Kes 9.709.548,80 purchase of stationery and electronics for facilitating Joint body tasks 112.500,00

purchase of sports equipment to encourage a sporting culture 187.500,00

capacity building through training of Joint body 750.000,00

set up of a revolving fund for home improvement 2.250.000,00

sub total 5.250.000,00


tropiflora completed projects for tropiflora



equivalent in Kes Kes 147.005,00 facilitation of Kindergarten/creche facilities 15.000,00

facilitation of community sport 10.950,00

euros 1.501,79 sub total 25.950,00

equivalent in Kes Kes 157.687,95 education

secondary school and educational bursuries 311.505,00

total in Kes Kes 304.692,95 purchase of water tank for nearby primary school 131.450,25



training of the Joint body 170.550,00


grand total 639.455,25

40 s o c i a l r e p o r t 2009/2010

Waridi completed projects for Waridi

premium Monies received from bloom projects implemented expenditure to date


equivalent in Kes Kes 672.336,25 Vegetable project to improve farming methods for community at large 370.800,00

library project to improve literacy 25.957,98

total in Kes Kes 672.336,25 sponsorship of community sports activities 163.003,20

provision of mosquito nets 148.155,60


education

provision of bursary funds 370.828,20

construction of a classroom at a local primary school 575.265,60



bus project for income generation 6.674.907,00

revolving fund to enhance home improvement 741.656,40

Vocational skills training for workers 741.656,40

Joint body exchange program 163.164,60

capacity building and training for proper premium usage 519.159,60

purchase of plots for a home ownership project (phase i) 1.480.767,60

training for the hiV peer training group 128.895,00

creation of awareness on fairtrade 411.590,40

sub total 10.861.797,00


legend of different certificatesBopp packhousebritish ornamental plant producers certification scheme packhouse standard flofairtrade labelling organisations international leaflinking environment and farming etiethical trade initiative mpsMps’ activities are focused on encouraging corporate social responsibility and sustainable production in the international horticulture sector. by developing products (certificates) and services for it’s clients in the areas of quality assurance, the environment and social aspects, Mps is providing the horticultural sector with tools for implementing corporate social responsibility and sustainable production on the companies. Mps is mainly active in the floriculture, bulb, arboriculture, vegetable and fruit sectors. mps a/B/cMps-a, b and c are environmental registration certificates. the qualifications Mps-a, -b and -c are awarded to Mps participants who record their usage of crop protection agents, fertilisers, energy and waste. the qualification Mps-a stands for most environmentally-friendly cultivation. mps gapMps Good agricultural practice (Gap) certification scheme based on criteria formulated for safe, sustainably-cultivated, high-quality and traceable products. Mps-Gap is benchmarked with the GlobalGap flowers and plants scheme. GlobalG.a.p is a private sector body that sets voluntary standards for the certification of production processes of agricultural (including aquaculture) products around the globe. mps socially Qualifieda certificate that allows a supplier to demonstrate that products are cultivated under good working conditions.