Introducing subsurface drip irrigation and organic asparagus growing to Peru Peru is world's leading producer of fresh asparagus, with total exports amounting to USD 235 million (2007). Peru also has large areas of desert land, that is perfectly suited for growing asparagus, provided there is a good irrigation system available. Being a desert area, with no previous agricultural activity or contamination, this land is also ideal for the start of organic production. In 2008 Crystal Ocean (Lima) has acquired 380 ha of such virgin desert land, approximately 30 km east of Pisco (250 km south of Lima). The plot has good access to water for irrigation and, of the total 380 ha some 250 ha are suitable for cultivation. Van der Staay (Barendrecht) is a trader in fruit and vegetables, and wants to invest in the cultivation of asparagus in Peru to ensure the own supply of fresh and, if possible, organic asparagus. Both partners will set up a joint venture, that will introduce production of organic asparagus, as well as sub-surface drip irrigation in Peru, on an area of 100 ha initially.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The joint venture will have explicit Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies with regard to Social standards, Safety & Environment issues, Production Process Certification and policies regarding salaries and secondary benefits, as well as policies regarding gender equal opportunity enforcement.With regard to Safety & Environment, the joint venture will develop and implement a policy concerning workplace health and safety. Focus areas are safe storage and use of fertilizers and pesticides, safe use of machineries and tools, and hygiene. Staff will receive protective clothing and be assured enough working breaks and sanitary facilities. The joint venture will also formulate an environmental policy as part of the company's manual with regard to water safety, environmental friendly disposal of packing material and reduced energy consumption. Responsible water usage is guaranteed through the application of SDI and strict environmental standards are adhered to through Organic guidelines.With regard to process certification, organic production will be certified by an accredited and independent certifier (Control Union). The full operation will be GlobalGAP certified.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsAt the end of the project the joint venture will employ 121 staff on a full-time basis, of whom 6 of a high-level, 8 of medium-level and 107 of a basic-level. For basic-level jobs salaries will be 10% above the legal minimum, for medium-level 3.5 times minimum and for high-level 10 to 20 times minimum.Two years after the pilot the number of permanent jobs will have increased to 283 (8 high-, 13 medium-, 262 basic-level).In addition to good primary working conditions, employees will have:- performance based bonuses (for unskilled production workers);- doctor's services paid for by the joint venture;- free daily meal at the canteen;- free transport to and from the farm.Another 150 seasonal workers will be needed each year for every 2 month-harvest campaign, corresponding to 25 FTE.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeNew knowledge will be introduced in the practices of SDI and Organic asparagus farming. The plantation of the joint venture will double as demonstration field for other farmers, government officers and agricultural universities in the region interested in the results of SDI and its suitability for asparagus growing in the desert of Peru. Knowledge transfer and increased awareness about soil and crop management and pest and disease management attuned to organic standards will lead to sustainable agriculture practices in the asparagus industry of which future generations will benefit.•	Chain effectsBesides direct jobs, the project will generate an additional economic activity in several parts of the chain: nurseries for asparagus plants, cattle farms for the sale of manure, mechanic workshops for maintenance of equipment, transportation companies, and so on. According to estimates of a large Peruvian player in the logistics of fresh asparagus, 36% of the value generated from production to port of dispatch (including air transportation) corresponds to farm activities; 16% to activities performed in the packing houses; 1.5% to land transportation; 1.6% to storage, loading and export logistics in the port and 45% to air transportation. This means that for each euro generated at the farm, almost 2 euro value is added in the chain by other entities.•	EnvironmentThe effect of the project on the environment is close to neutral, or even positive if compared to conventional asparagus cultivation. The introduction of SDI will save about 2.5 m3 of water per year per hectare, given 25% of savings compared to conventional drip irrigation. The absolute water consumption of course has some negative impact on the natural resources, but this is professionally managed by the local water authority, who issues permits and quota for every project that uses large volumes of water.The organic cultivation of asparagus uses no chemical herbicides or pesticides and therefore has a positive effect on the environment.•	Position of womenThe project will create at least 30 permanent jobs for women. More important perhaps is that at least 75% out of 300 seasonal workers (harvesters, packers) will be female. Setting up a farm (50 + 50 ha) for the production of organic (450 tonnes per year) and conventional Asparagus (500 tonnes per year), introducing subsurface irrigation technology, in the desert area near Chincha Alta.