On Friday we went back to Westfalia, our biggest Max Havelaar mango and avocado supplier.
We arrived and went straight to the crèche. Crèche? Yes! That’s one of the good results arising from the extra profit the farm’s now making, created by the sale of Max Havelaar fruit at Albert Heijn.
We were at the farm because the Max Havelaar organization had arranged a trip for the winners of their January competition. Along with Floortje Dessing, the Max Havelaar representative, the winners were traveling through South Africa looking at the projects - and the results - of Max Havelaar initiatives.
Along the way, you also learn about the challenges that arise if you want to grow good mangos and avocados. Apparently, before they can carry on growing nicely in the ground, avocados have to be kept in darkened rooms so they can start sending out shoots. You knew that? Okay.
So, a crèche, a reading and writing class for adults and an internet room. These are some of the practical results of purchasing and sales of Max Havelaar products. It might not rock the world, but it helps.