TUI Field to Fork Cape Verde

It's difficult to grow fresh produce in some areas of the world and farmers in the Cape Verde islands know this all too well. A lack of fertile soil means that growing crops is extremely challenging and the population depends on imported cereals, fruit and vegetables. So, on the island of Sal, we’ve launched a three-year TUI Field to Fork project to help provide fresh produce to local people.

We’re working in partnership with Milot Hydroponics, a horticultural company which uses hydroponic techniques to grow crops without using soil. The project focuses on growing organic carrots, beetroot and lettuces as well as avocados, mangoes, limes and bananas. It will help to build and strengthen the capacity of the supplier and also increase wages and provide staff training. 

A lack of fertile soil suitable for agriculture on the Cape Verdean island of Sal means that the island depends heavily on imports of fresh produce. It also means that they are often in scarce supply and that the quality and choice of them is limited. In addition, imported products from other more fertile islands Cape Verdean islands such as Santiago have a much higher price point, often making them inaccessible for the residents of Sal. 

Milot will be able to expand both in terms of infrastructure and production capacity. 10,000 square meters of new orchards are currently being planted to grow limes, avocados and mangoes while further plantations of 1,000 papaya trees will be sown. A new greenhouse to host cucumbers as well as 2,000 square metres of organically produced beets, lettuce and carrots are included in the project plan. Infrastructural improvements such as the installation of a cold chamber, building new storage spaces to house the growing production as well as a new delivery van to quickly expedite the fresh produce are also planned. This will also result in an increase in employment opportunities – as well as seven permanent jobs, the project will also kickstart a traineeship programme for vulnerable young people aiming to learn about and get practical experience in hydroponic agriculture. 

The project also aims to create strong linkages with the tourism sector, setting the goal for Milot to become the supplier of fresh produce for 12 of the biggest hotels and resorts on the island. This is a unique opportunity to promote local sourcing of food products and reduce the environmental impact of tourism businesses. Longer term, the planting of regenerative date palms, almond and coconut trees, as well as beneficial acacia trees to rescue the local flora, is also planned.

PROJECT PARTNER

MILOT Hydroponics Ltd. is a family business founded in 2001 and based in Sal Island, which grows vegetables using the hydroponic technique. The main objective that motivated the creation of the company and the production method choice was to provide the island of Sal with an infrastructure that would make it possible to overcome the scarcity of vegetables in the local market, essentially derived from the lack of fertile land and suitable soils for the practice of agriculture on the island.

Today, the company, focused on innovation and sustainability, produce, commercialise and distribute diversified and high-quality products to the entire local market.

FOLLOW
TRITON!

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