MEXICO - For a century now, Sinaloa and the Culiacán Valley has been an important grower and exporter of vegetables to the North American market. In order to maintain this status, the region must ensure that it recognizes food safety and social responsibility requirements. Promoting compliance with certifications and criteria has allowed growers to measure and improve their standards and keep Sinaloa in its status as a leading exporting state. 
“As Veggies From Mexico, during our weekly audits on social responsibility issues, we contribute to the well-being of our workers, ensuring compliance with criteria set by the law and the certificates required by buyers,” commented Georgius Gotsis, Chief Executive Officer of Veggies From Mexico.
Currently, more than one billion dollars are exported to North America in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, among other vegetables and fruits, a press release explained. To maintain rigorous quality, a key player in achieving these objectives has been the Asociación de Agricultores del Río Culiacán (AARC).
This horticultural association from Sinaloa includes the municipalities of Culiacán and Navolato. One of the main contributions of the association has been the promotion of social responsibility among its members. 
“Among the conditions and improvement actions that the growers offer to their collaborators, in addition to what is required by law, are free housing, sports fields, nurseries, schools, breastfeeding centers, and medical offices, among others,” added Enrique Riveros, President of AARC.
AARC also provides support and assistance to member companies through its department “Pro Familia de Jornaleros”, which works under five areas of attention: health, nutrition, education, sports, and labor and community welfare.
One of the main actions of Pro Familia is to provide training in social work, health and safety at work, and monthly workshops with social workers of the agricultural companies. AARC provides important support to the Veggies From Mexico program, which is dedicated to auditing and promoting full compliance with food safety and social responsibility criteria among growers in Sinaloa.
As VFM noted, these certifications help differentiate the growers of Sinaloa and Culiacán from competitors and allow them to bring high-quality products to its North American partners.
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