Givaudan has announced the results of its responsible sourcing initiative in Egypt. The project involves training local jasmine farmers in safer and more environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, in line with the company’s Naturals at Origin strategy and sustainability commitments.
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Initiated by Givaudan and the Givaudan Foundation in 2019, the program aims to bring concrete solutions to local environmental and human challenges related to jasmine production. Previously, farmers addressed the issue of pests and insects through pesticide-based solutions. This led to health risks and soil degradation with farmers struggling to integrate safe and sustainable plant protection measures.
Through this coaching initiative, 240 jasmine producers were introduced to sustainable agriculture techniques. As a concrete result, 100% of the farmers are now using organic fertilizers, insect traps and have learned how to produce their own compost.
The program was carried out in partnership with Givaudan’s jasmine supplier, A. Fakhry & Co, and an organization specialized in environmental consulting and fair-trade training, Des Enjeux et des Hommes (a subsidiary of the Ecocert Group). It also ensures ongoing coaching to jasmine farmers through the presence of technicians in the jasmine fields.
Laetitia Vuillemenot, Givaudan Foundation lead, stated, “What makes this project unique is the synergy between Givaudan, its supplier, the Foundation, and our training partner. It’s a great example of what we can achieve when we all focus on the same goal and commit to positive, long-term changes, with everyone bringing their expertise to the benefit of jasmine-producing communities.”
Maxence Billas, head procurement, Fine Fragrances & Active Beauty, said, “Initiatives such as this allow us to go beyond the typical customer-supplier relationship and support the entire community. These partnerships are essential to make our sustainability commitments a reality while maintaining the production of a high-quality Jasmine grandiflorum, appreciated by the world’s greatest perfumers for its beautiful scent.”
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