IFF collaborates with Unilever to improve lives of vetiver farming communities in Haiti

NGOs involved in the project are Oxfam Great Britain, Heifer International and Ford Foundation.

Known as Vetiver Together, the collaboration intends to enhance increase yields, and diversify income of vetiver farms.

The partnership also aims to support women empowerment and environmental conservation, as well as provide training to community members in various fields such as crop production and soil conservation.

International Flavors & Fragrances chairman and CEO Andreas Fibig said: “IFF relies on small farming communities for many natural products. These farmers, their families, and communities are an important part of our supply chain.

“Sustainability is a key enabler of our Vision2020 business strategy, and this partnership is the embodiment of one of our key sustainability strategies, Sensational People, in which we engage our employees and stakeholders to make a positive difference in the world.”

The newly formed partnership will also work towards improving the Haitian vetiver supply chain.

Vetiver Together is also supported by Enhancing Livelihoods Fund, a partnership between Unilever, Oxfam Great Britain, and the Ford Foundation, will be implemented by Heifer International.

Oxfam Great Britain economic justice head David Bright said: “The Enhancing Livelihood Fund is particularly interested in supporting Unilever suppliers develop new business models that improve conditions for women, workers and smallholders in an innovative way. We have learnt from previous work, suppliers play a critical role.

“This is why Oxfam together with Unilever and the Ford Foundation set up the fund to support Unilever suppliers.”

Vetiver oil is used as a common ingredient in many fragrances and Unilever uses the crop in its brands such as Axe and Impulse; however, economic pressures have often led the Haiti farmers to harvest the roots before they are fully mature.