MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - This February 11th, Mexico City became a meeting point for produce industry leaders across North America. The day marked the formalization of the “Alianza Hortofrutícola Internacional para el Fomento de la Responsabilidad Social” (AHIFORES), known in English as “International Fruit and Vegetable Alliance for Social Responsibility.” As a demonstration of support for the new organization, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Enrique Martinez y Martinez hosted the members of the Alliance and appointed Under Secretary of Agriculture Jesus Aguilar as his liaison.
The mission of AHIFORES is to enhance visibility for Mexico’s fresh produce industry and its long term commitment to the integral development of farm workers, as well as to actively promote industry-wide awareness and consistency in the implementation of socially responsible business practices, according to a press release.
“I was honored to be part of the groundbreaking meeting which included leading innovators in Mexico’s fresh produce industry,” said Alan Aguirre, President of Grupo Alta and Interim Chairman of AHIFORES. “Based on our collective experience and dedication to the responsible treatment of our valued employees, I am confident AHIFORES will play a significant role in inspiring, educating and advancing socially responsible business practices on Mexico’s farms.”
Members of the alliance include fresh produce associations and volunteer leaders from both the U.S. and Mexico who met and agreed on November 14, 2014 to create the AHIFORES. Members currently represent 90% of Mexico’s fresh produce industry, including top exports such as asparagus, avocados, berries, citrus, grapes, mangos, papayas, and tomatoes, among others. Outside private and public sector experts will be invited to contribute as AHIFORES moves forward in executing its objectives.
“For years, leading Mexican growers have set new standards in social responsibility. Yet few have told the story of that commitment. It’s time that we share with consumers around the world the Mexican industry’s history of responsible treatment of their workers. We are proud to be part of AHIFORES and look forward to contributing to the fulfillment of its mission,” said Mario Robles, Director of CAADES Vegetable Division, and Industry Spokesperson for AHIFORES.
AHIFORES believes its strength lies in its extensive network of fresh produce growers across Mexico and experts in the field of social responsibility. That network hopes to be valuable in disseminating the best practices, educational programming, and the information resources AHIFORES plans to offer.
