Argentina is among the top 10 among the largest blueberry-producing nations around the world. In the last few months, Argentina has reached a milestone in its development as blueberries were taken off the U.S. Department of Labor’s “List of Goods Made with the help of children or forced labor” (TVPRA List). “This accomplishment demonstrates Argentina’s leading position in responsible farming practices across Latin America,” says Cecilia Rasgido, Blueberry Quality Officer at Citromax. “As the only vertically integrated blueberry firm, we support industry standards with our dedication to responsible social methods of production.”

in 2021 Citromax has implemented the Social Compliance System (SCS) specifically for harvesting blueberries, creating an environment of safety and ethics as well as assisting in the education of children. The initiative was developed as a partnership between the Responsible Agriculture Production Project (PAR) as well as Desarrollo y Autogestion (DyA) is a testament to Citromax’s dedication to the responsible use of labor. “In 2024, Citromax were one of the few companies to expand this standard to harvesting lemons which set a new bar in our ethical standards across all of the company,” adds Myriam Ortiz the Management Systems Assistant of Citromax. “We will ensure kids are at school, not out in the fields.”

Collaboration between the industry

Citromax’s mission is a an integral part of a larger partnership with local and provincial authorities, producers of other blueberries as well as worker-related organisations. The collective effort is anchored by the concept of social compliance which emphasizes prevention, constant surveillance, and swift reaction to ensure that labor standards are adhered to as well as regular audits externally to ensure compliance.

This means that Argentine fresh blueberries are now available in the global market, specifically North America and Europe, and have a greater social standing and no association with child labour. “The exclusion from the TVPRA List represents a major improvement for Argentina’s fresh fruit and veg industry. It also demonstrates Citromax’s dedication to establishing an uninvolved supply chain.” While Argentina is continuing to build its standing as a country that has responsible and ethical practices in agriculture, Citromax remains dedicated to creating positive change in society and providing benchmarks for sustainable, ethical farming practices.

Blueberry season in Citromax

The year of 2009, Citromax has a very good blueberry season that has reached the record that exceeded 1,800 tons. In addition, around 500 tons were set aside to fresh markets making use of the ideal time between September and October, for both Europe, the U.S. and Europe. Fresh blueberry deliveries were carried through air transport, 30% of which went to Europe and 70 percent heading to America. United States. In contrast the 1,300 tons were assigned for the frozen blueberries (IQF) which included 25% going to the local market, and 75 percent of it going to export mostly towards US markets. U.S. “We’re closing this season in December this allows us to get started on work on the field to prepare for the coming season” stated Bernabe Padilla. Fresh Fruit Commercial Officer for the Citromax Group.

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Estefania Scuka

Citromax

[email protected]

www.citromax.com