Fairtrasa and Migros announced the introduction of Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) bananas from Ecuador. This marks a historic milestone in advancing sustainable agriculture, with Migros becoming the first supermarket in the world to offer ROC™ bananas.
The Regenerative Organic Certified programme represents the highest standard of environmental and social sustainability. It builds on existing organic and Fairtrade certifications whilst exceeding them, ensuring that banana cultivation actively restores soil health, stimulates biodiversity and benefits local communities.
Fairtrasa and Migros have always placed sustainability at the heart of their business. With this initiative, both parties lead by example, offering consumers products that align with their long-term vision for a sustainable future. By offering ROC bananas, Migros provides its customers with a product that not only supports environmental regeneration but also ensures social equity for the farmers, workers and communities involved.
"Migros is committed to providing our customers with more sustainable and ethically sourced products," says Nicolas Grüter, Buyer Fruit and Vegetables Migros. "The introduction of ROC bananas aligns perfectly with our mission to support long-term ecological balance and to promote a healthier planet for future generations."
The regenerative organic practices employed at Santa Monica, the ROC-certified banana farm in Ecuador, have transformed the land. By employing no-till farming, intercropping, and on-farm composting, the farm has increased soil organic matter by 70% compared to conventional organic farmland. This means vastly increased carbon sequestration capacity, helping to mitigate climate change while producing healthier, more resilient crops.
"At Fairtrasa, we are proud to work alongside partners like Migros who share our vision of building a more sustainable food system," says Álvaro de Mingo Castro, Business Unit Manager Fairtrasa. "With ROC bananas, we are raising the bar for sustainability."
Beyond environmental benefits, the ROC certification guarantees fair wages and improved working conditions for farmworkers, fostering a positive and safe environment. This holistic approach to farming ensures that the communities who produce the bananas also reap the rewards of their hard work.
Franklin Ginus, CEO Fairtrasa says "This is just the beginning. The introduction of Regenerative Organic Certified bananas is a vital step toward a more sustainable and equitable food system, but the true impact lies in its expansion. To make meaningful change, we need more partners, more farms, and more consumers committed to this vision. Together, we can scale this solution and create a future where agriculture not only sustains us but also heals the planet and uplifts the communities that nourish it. Let's continue to push boundaries and lead the way towards a regenerative, sustainable future for all."
For more information:
Álvaro de Mingo Castro
Fairtrasa
Tel: +34 637 144 856
[email protected]