Feb 29 2008
Stellar Fairtrade
This feature focuses on Stellar Winery, which is situated 275 kilometres north of Cape Town on the road to Namibia. The winery is a joint venture between four farmers and the cellar, and makes use of a semi-arid climate, unrivalled refrigeration capacity and extensive in-house engineering skills to produce modern organic wines. The cellar processes about 900 tonnes of organic grapes from farms straddling the northern boundary of the Olifants river wine region and Namaqualand. The area is known for its spring flowers and is also the only semi-arid biosphere hotspot in the world.
Stellar Winery and their Fairtrade practice have had many accomplishments. Their definition of Fairtrade is that “it is an international system of standards for producers, and terms of trade for their goods that ensure farmers and workers in some of the poorest countries in the world are adequately protected and can build a more sustainable future.”
The Fairtrade logo has become established as a credible, independent consumer guarantee for goods that are ethically produced and assist producers in developing countries get a better deal from international trade.
The Stellar workforce benefits directly from sales of Fairtrade-labelled wine- Both farm & cellar staff are transported to and from work
- Families receive health care and the permanent services of a community worker.
- Workers receive free housing, electricity and water and all schooling and childcare facilities are subsidised.
- The Stellar Employees’ Trust serves as a forum for workers to identify their needs and manage the income derived from Fairtrade sales. The Trust initiates and manages projects designed to improve the living conditions of workers and provide additional sustainable income for the benefit of the community
If you would like to know more about their Fairtrade, visit their website at www.stellarorganics.com.