Supporting smallholders and mills to achieve Bonsucro certification in Mexico

In Mexico, Proforest is working with PepsiCo, Bonsucro, Peterson and Grupo Azucarero Mexico (GAM), to foster collaboration on sustainable sugar cane. GAM is a large sugar-producing company, operating four mills across the country. As a result of the programme, GAM’s Tala mill in Jalisco state achieved Bonsucro certification in May 2019, becoming the second mill in Mexico ever to do so.

The collaboration aims to support 250 smallholder producers to achieve Bonsucro certification in the coming years. As of 2021, 40 cane cutters and producers have started their journey towards certification, receiving training on sustainability, health and safety (including use of Personal Protective Equipment), human and labour rights, among others. This work was awarded an Inspire Award by Bonsucro in March 2020.