Organic banana cultivation in Mozambique Applicant Pro-Plum Orchards (Pty) Limited is a well-established organic fruit producer and exporter in South Africa that has been seeking opportunities to expand and diversify its production with bananas and other (sub)tropical fruit species. Together with local partner Faral Ferrageira Limitada and Swiss third partner Alden Capital AG they investigated the potentials of southern Mozambique. A suitable farming location has been identified in the area of Chibuto, around 200 km north of Maputo. In this area temperature, rainfall, soils and general infrastructure are favourable for the cultivation of bananas.The partners will establish a 150 ha organically certified banana orchard and construct a pack house with washing and cooling facilities to produce about 8,000 tons of organic bananas by the end of year 3. The bananas will mainly be exported, first to South Africa and then to Europe and/or the Middle East, using the network of Pro-Plum. A minor part of the produce will be sold in Mozambique. This would be the first commercial organically certified banana orchard in Mozambique.The partners will work together through a joint venture by the name of Agro Lamboreiro Lda.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The orchard in Chibuto will be organically certified and GlobalGAP certified. The joint venture will implement the CSR policy of Pro-Plum.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsBy the end of the project the joint venture will employ 322 staff. Of these jobs 304 will hold basic-level jobs, while 15 are medium-level positions and 3 high-level positions. The 250 harvesters and packers will work at least 9 months per year, but maybe as much as year-round. Of the 50 general farm workers some will not be working year-round, because weeding only takes place 6 months per year.Two years after the project the joint venture will employ 403 staff, 3 high-level, 24 medium-level and 376 basic-level.Wages for all permanent and seasonal workers will be 25% above the minimum wage. The joint venture will provide protective gear for field workers and will implement a CSR plan, following Pro-Plum's CSR policy. This includes a very detailed wellbeing protocol. This 9 page document with 27 annexes, includes items like: a monthly health clinic, a workers committee that meets weekly, provision of transport, hygiene rules and facilities, hiring procedures, education (also based on advice of workers committee), protocol for accidents in the workplace and emergency procedures.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe project will introduce new knowledge and skills on preparing of land for organic production, composting techniques, cultivation and disease control of organic bananas, post-harvest practices and on-farm logistical handling.The farm manager, the pack house manager and the team leaders will also be trained in and assisted in the implementation of the operational procedures and traceability systems for organic production.•	Chain effectsThe joint venture will source chicken litter and cattle manure for compost locally. Suppliers of packaging boxes and bags will also be sought in Mozambique. Including the transport to Maputo, the joint venture will probably use 4 different local suppliers.•	EnvironmentOrganic production of bananas uses no polluting chemicals for fertilisation and disease control, unlike conventional banana production. The project will be certified organically, as well as GlobalGAP.The project will take water from the nearby Limpopo River. This should not have a negative impact on water resources available.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will hire at least 50% women. Employment of women will be encouraged and it will be made possible for them to combine their household and child caring duties with a paid job at the banana farm. The joint venture can offer flexible working hours, transport or child care to its staff, to accommodate the female workers. To establish a 150 ha orchard plus a pack house with washing and cooling facilities for the production of 8,000 tons organically certified bananas, mainly for export.