Frezna

Morocco is the 5th largest exporter of strawberries in the world, exporting almost 75,000 tons per year. However, 80% of growers are small and vulnerable producers. In total, 600 farms employ over 12,000 people, with 70% of the pickers lacking social protection.

Strawberry production in Morocco faces several environmental challenges: the use of pesticides, lack of water management, and absence of recycling of plastic materials used in horticulture are significant issues that need to be addressed to achieve more sustainable production.

The Frezna project, led by Danone Ecosystem alongside GIZ and DanTrade, operates through a comprehensive approach that addresses social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by strawberry farmers and pickers in Morocco. The project is built on three pillars:

• Social Impact:
  • Social Security and Medical Visits: Ensuring that 100% of pickers have access to social security benefits and regular medical check-ups.
  • Training: Providing training on good agricultural practices to improve the skills and knowledge of farmers and pickers.

• Environmental Impact:
  • Decrease the use of chemical pesticides.
  • Increase the use of integrated pest management practices.
  • Reduce nitrogen usage.
  • Lower water consumption from irrigation.
  • Implement sustainable plastic waste management solutions.

• Economic Impact:
  • P&L Management Support: Assisting farmers in managing their profit and loss statements to increase their margins.
  • Market Access: Strengthening farmers’ access to local and international markets, ensuring they can sell their produce at fair prices.

This hands-on approach helps farmers optimize their farming practices, secure their workforce, and achieve more stable revenues.