Organic lemon production In spite of a strong citrus growing tradition, there are no commercial lemon plantations in Peru. In general Peruvians are accustomed to using limes in their cuisine and drinks, which explains the lack of demand for lemons on the domestic market. The circumstances for growing lemons, however, appear to be excellent in Peru, and the harvest period would coincide with a gap in supply from Southern Europe and Argentina.Van Ooijen Citrus B.V. (part of Vorimex B.V.) from the Netherlands and Country Home SA from Peru are proposing to form a joint venture to exploit this opportunity. Partners will invest in an own plantation and support contract farmers, with the cultivation of organic lemons, close to the city of Huaral. To support the organic production, an integrated pest management programme will be developed, including an insect farm, for the production of natural predators, and a phytopathological laboratory to inspect and detect fungal diseases, nematodes and viruses that may affect the plants. This is completely new for Peru. The project will create 50 new jobs at the joint venture, in addition to generating income for another twenty at outgrowers' farms.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Country Home's Corporate Social Responsibility policy will be a reference for the joint venture's, which will have explicit CSR policies with regard to the following topics:•	Social standards – made explicit in the internal company manual.•	Safety and Environmental standards – policy to be implemented with regard to workplace health and safety. Focus areas are safe storage and use of fertilizers, safe use of machineries and tools, and hygiene.•	Certification production process – The GlobalGAP and Organic certification of the lemons produced by the joint venture and the contract farmers provides reassurance that the fruit has been produced sustainably, respecting the health, safety and welfare of workers, and the environment.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsAt the end of the project, the joint venture will employ 47 staff on a full-time basis, increasing to 206, two years after completion. In addition, during 60 days of the harvest period, another 17 seasonal workers will be employed (500 two years later).The joint venture's unskilled labour will be paid not less than PEN 640 per month (180 euro), which is 15% above the legal minimum wage. Day labourers are paid USD 10 per day.All employees will have a free meal (equivalent to PEN 135 per month), health insurance and free transport.Staff will receive protective clothing, are assured enough working breaks and sanitarily facilities and workers amenities are in place.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe cultivation technology for lemons, according to organic certification, will be transferred to own staff as well as outgrowers and is new for Peru. The knowledge to develop and operate an own Integrated Pest Management (IPM) facility however, is unique.It will be based on extensive experience of a former SENASA official, and will be continuously updated through cooperation with SENASA and CIP.•	Chain effectsLemon growing contracts will be signed with five farmers. As the lemon production has a long pay-back period, only farmers that grow other crops will be approached, and the joint venture will pre-finance their investment under favourable conditions.The contract farmers will receive the irrigation system, tutors and seedlings at 50% of the cost, whilst continuous technical assistance is provided for free. The joint venture will prescribe the required organic fertilizers and bio controllers. The costs of these inputs will be charged later against delivery of the lemons, being deducted from the farm gate sales price. The joint venture will buy grade A lemons at 40% of the FOB price. For grade B lemons, they will pay 50% of the grade A price. The costs for packing and transport are for joint venture's account.•	EnvironmentThe joint venture aims at minimizing its ecological footprint, by formulating an environmental policy as part of the company's manual with regard to water safety and reduced energy consumption. Energy reduction is guaranteed through the wind generator and strict environmental standards are adhered to through Organic Certification accredited by an independent certifier (Control Union).•	Position of womenThe joint venture will favour single mothers and aims at having at least 20% female participation of total staff employed. As plantation establishment, maintenance and harvesting is less suitable for women, the positions taken by women will be in administration, quality control, organic integrated pest management, cleaning and cooking. To establish a production and processing chain for the export of organic lemon, to be grown on 50 ha own land, and 5x 10 ha of contracted outgrowers.