Watsonville, California-based Driscoll's has increased its fair trade program acreage by 14 acres this year, with the goal of being 100% Fair Trade Certified by the end of 2019, the company says.

The expansion builds on the continued movement of its multi-year Fair Trade USA partnership, which has contributed nearly $1 million in community development funds through the sale of Fair Trade Certified organic berries grown in Baja California, Mexico.

The recent expansion allows Driscoll's to include more of its independent growers, expand retail distribution and increase sales of Fair Trade Certified berries. As a result, more workers in Baja California will benefit from the program and receive additional funds for community development.

“With more than 6,500 workers employed by Fair Trade Certified farms, our goal is to amplify the positive impact they can have in their local communities,” says Soren Bjorn, president, Driscoll’s of the Americas. “Expanding our Fair Trade program to the entire region means more opportunities for farm workers and their families to participate in and benefit from community-led improvement projects. It also introduces more opportunities for our consumers to make a difference with each purchase.” 

Fair Trade Certified farms uphold strict environmental and social standards — values that Driscoll's says align with its commitment to worker welfare and its comprehensive global labor standards.