At Harmonious, our ethos extends beyond traditional farming practices; it encompasses a holistic approach to sustainability and ethical stewardship. Here, the soil beneath our feet is revered as more than a mere medium for crops; it is the very foundation upon which we build a future of abundance and integrity. Within this cooperative network, we uphold values such as ethical sourcing, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment as fundamental pillars of our agricultural paradigm.
Our platform serves as a nexus of innovation and collaboration, where farmers converge to share knowledge, access resources, and collectively advance sustainable agriculture. Through Harmonious, farmers are equipped with tools and insights to implement regenerative farming techniques, promote fair trade practices, and ensure equitable treatment of all stakeholders. From embracing climate-smart agriculture to championing gender equality in farming communities, Harmonious embodies a holistic vision of sustainability that encompasses social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
To help us implement this we comply with the Rain Forest Alliance and we use the guidance from the Accountability Framework.
Sustainability
Deforestation
CSA
Gender Equality
Continuous Improvement
No-deforestation supply chains and protection of forests
Harmonious commits to deforestation in all its operations and supply chains.
No-deforestation (deforestation-free) signifies that natural forests are not converted to agriculture, tree plantations, livestock production, or other land uses, and that natural forests are not subject to severe or sustained degradation.
Harmonious commits to taking appropriate measures to foster long-term protection of natural forests in and around its operations and supply base, including through responsible supply chain management.
Members of Harmonious commit to protecting and conserving forests by avoiding deforestation and forest degradation. Forested areas, including primary and high conservation value forests, must be preserved.
Members are encouraged to implement agroforestry practices that integrate trees within agricultural landscapes. Sustainable land management techniques, such as contour planting and terracing, should be employed to minimize soil erosion and maintain ecosystem health.
Members must adhere to a zero deforestation commitment, ensuring that no new deforestation occurs as a result of their agricultural activities. Forest conversion for agricultural expansion is strictly prohibited.
Harmonious embraces the principles of Fairtrade, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering equity, empowerment, and sustainability within global supply chains. We commit to upholding the following principles in our pursuit of Fairtrade:
Fair Prices: We pledge to pay fair prices to producers for their goods, ensuring that they receive a stable income that covers the cost of sustainable production and provides a decent standard of living for themselves and their families.
Fair Labour Conditions: We are dedicated to promoting fair labour conditions, including safe working environments, reasonable working hours, and the prohibition of child labour and forced labour. We respect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions.
Direct Trade Relationships: We prioritize establishing direct and long-term relationships with producers, fostering trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By bypassing intermediaries and engaging directly with producers, we aim to ensure that more of the benefits of trade reach those who need it most.
Community Development: We are committed to supporting community development initiatives in producer communities, including investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. We believe that empowered communities are key to building sustainable futures.
Environmental Sustainability: We recognize the importance of environmental sustainability in our supply chains and commit to minimizing our ecological footprint. We support producers in adopting sustainable farming practices that conserve natural resources, protect biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.
Gender Equality: We are dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women in our supply chains. We strive to ensure that women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes, enabling them to fully participate in and benefit from Fairtrade.
Continuous Improvement: We pledge to continuously monitor and evaluate our Fairtrade practices, seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation. We will actively engage with stakeholders, including producers, workers, consumers, and civil society organizations, to ensure that our commitments to Fairtrade are meaningful and impactful.
No-deforestation supply chains and protection of forests
Harmonious commits to deforestation in all its operations and supply chains.
No-deforestation (deforestation-free) signifies that natural forests are not converted to agriculture, tree plantations, livestock production, or other land uses, and that natural forests are not subject to severe or sustained degradation.
Harmonious commits to taking appropriate measures to foster long-term protection of natural forests in and around its operations and supply base, including through responsible supply chain management.
Members of Harmonia commit to protecting and conserving forests by avoiding deforestation and forest degradation. Forested areas, including primary and high conservation value forests, must be preserved.
Members are encouraged to implement agroforestry practices that integrate trees within agricultural landscapes. Sustainable land management techniques, such as contour planting and terracing, should be employed to minimize soil erosion and maintain ecosystem health.
Members must adhere to a zero deforestation commitment, ensuring that no new deforestation occurs as a result of their agricultural activities. Forest conversion for agricultural expansion is strictly prohibited.
Fairtrade
Baobab Tree
Biodiversity
Performance indicators for tree farmers in relation to the preservation of biodiversity
Vegetation Structure: The structure of vegetation within a habitat can greatly influence its quality and suitability for different species. We will promote the assessment of the vegetation structure which involves looking at parameters such as canopy cover, tree density, understory vegetation, and vertical diversity. Diverse vegetation structure provides a variety of niches and resources for different species, supporting a greater diversity of wildlife.
Water Availability: Water is a fundamental resource for all forms of life, and its availability can significantly impact habitat quality. We will promote the assessment of water availability which includes evaluating factors such as the presence of water bodies (e.g., streams, ponds), water quality, and availability of moisture in the soil. Adequate water sources are essential for supporting a wide range of species, particularly during dry periods or in arid regions.
Presence of Native Species: The presence of native plant and animal species is an important indicator of habitat quality. Native species are typically well-adapted to local environmental conditions and play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning. We will promote the assessment of the presence and abundance of native species that helps determine the ecological integrity of a habitat and its potential to support biodiversity.
Habitat Connectivity: Habitat quality is also influenced by its connectivity to other habitats within the landscape. We will promote the assessment of habitat connectivity which involves examining the degree to which habitats are fragmented or interconnected, as well as the presence of wildlife corridors and dispersal routes. Connected habitats facilitate the movement of species, allowing for gene flow, population dynamics, and colonization of new areas.
Habitat Disturbance: We will promote the assessment of habitat disturbance which helps identify potential threats to habitat quality, such as habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, and human activities. Monitoring and minimizing disturbances are crucial for maintaining habitat quality and supporting biodiversity.
Ecosystem Functioning: Evaluating ecosystem functioning provides insights into the overall health and resilience of habitats. This involves assessing ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, pollination, and seed dispersal. Healthy ecosystems exhibit robust functioning, which supports biodiversity and contributes to ecosystem services essential for human well-being. We will promote the assessment of ecosystem functioning.