The cultivation, sustainable industrial production, blanching and export of specialty and native peanuts from Bolivia The peanut is believed to have originated in South America, which is probably true, as the greatest diversity of wild varieties is still found in central and eastern Bolivia. Nowadays, however, the peanut is one of the most popular and universal crops, cultivated in more than 100 countries on all continents. Even so, the peanut production in Bolivia is very small, and exports are negligible. The country lacks the volume, processing facilities and logistic infrastructure.Applicant Intersnack Procurement B.V. is looking to diversify its international procurement of peanuts, and made a deal in 2008 with local partner Agricabv S.A. to send different varieties of peanuts – on an experimental basis – from Bolivia to Europe.The quality was found to be very good and the new varieties had unique taste characteristics. The conclusion was that the market would accept the Bolivian peanuts very well, and this would represent an excellent alternative to the traditional exporters.The partners therefore decided to set up a state-of-the-art processing plant in Chuquisaca, near Santa Cruz, including a blanching facility to avoid any problems with aflatoxin. In order to receive a constant and sufficient flow of high quality peanuts, they will also implement their own cultivation, starting with 200 ha. To produce the large amounts of peanuts required for export, they will simultaneously set up an outgrowers scheme that should involve 350 outgrowers cultivating another 350 ha.A third partner, Annona Sustainable Investments B.V. from the Netherlands, will provide a substantial share of the financial funds for the investment. Both, the applicant and Annona Sustainable Investments B.V., will participate with the local partner Agricabv S.A., in a new joint venture.The project is new for Bolivia, as it will introduce the first commercial export of peanuts, from the country where it originated. It will also create a substantial number of new jobs, and present an interesting alternative to many small farmers who are suffering from low income from their coffee plantations.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)CSR is a fundamental component of the business policy of all partners. A formalisation of this policy will be realised by the implementation of an extensive CSR manual as one of the Results. A draft of this manual was the subject of a bachelor's thesis by Ingrid Daniela Rodriguez, for the Universidad Privada de Bolivia. Miss Rodriguez is the daughter of Mr Pedro Rodriguez - owner of Agricabv S.A. -, and will be responsible for the CSR policy at the joint venture.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsDirect employment will be 25 FTE (7 high-level) at the end of the project, growing to 40 after two years. In addition, outgrower networks will employ 350 farmers, increasing to 1,050 two years later.On average, salaries will be twice the minimum wage in Bolivia (Bs. 647 or 77 euro).Agricabv S.A. is in the process of implementing a social responsibility programme to improve working conditions for all staff. Additional benefits include: paid vacation days, retirement fund contribution, risk prevention and health support.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe project will introduce new knowledge in terms of (organic) peanut cultivation and processing, with enhanced attention to food safety and traceability. The processing technology employed will be state-of-the-art.•	Chain effectsThe improved processing technology and distribution network of the applicant will open a complete new market, with better prices, for the Bolivian peanut sector. In addition to the 350 outgrowers, some 15 assorted companies in the supply chain will benefit from the increased economic activities. These include suppliers of agricultural materials and tools, but also (logistic) services.•	EnvironmentThe impact on the environment will be neutral. The peanut production process is very clean. No harmful substances are used and the waste consists mainly of peanut shells. These will be collected and used as natural fertilizer.Almost 800 of Agricabv S.A.'s (coffee) outgrower families have certification for Organic Caficultura, UTZ Kapeh and are in the process of getting Rainforest Alliance certification. They are aware of modern sustainability requirements and have learned to take care of the environment.The project will collect a growing amount of organic peanuts starting with 100 tonnes, and growing to 225 tonnes by year 7. Organic certification will be extended to a growing number of farmers.•	Position of womenThe project has positive impact on women labour participation; 40% of the staff and also 40% of the farmers are women. To establish a commercial cultivation of Bolivian peanuts for export, being 200 ha on own land, and 350 ha with outgrowers, as well as a processing/blanching facility with a capacity to handle 800 tonnes per year.