The AgroJusto Project, implemented by Partners of the Americas and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), seeks to improve compliance with international labor standards in Ecuador’s agricultural sector, focusing on eradicating child labor and forced labor while promoting labor rights within the country’s banana and cut flower supply chains. The project, which began in 2023, is set to run through 2027.
The United States is the leading buyer of Ecuadorian flowers, importing 43% of all Ecuadorian cut flower exports. Similarly, the U.S is a significant market for Ecuadorian bananas, accounting for approximately 15% of Ecuador’s total banana exports. Both the banana and flower sectors in Ecuador have been marked by a significant prevalence of child labor and forced labor, alongside persistent deficiencies in the enforcement of international labor standards. These challenges underscore the need for targeted efforts to ensure compliance with global labor regulations within these critical supply chains.
By collaborating closely with Ecuadorian entrepreneurs, producers, government officials, buyers, and exporters, AgroJusto fosters fair practices within the banana and cut flower supply chains. The project prioritizes the adoption of labor rights as a core element of business agendas in these sectors. By addressing labor abuses and fostering better working conditions in Ecuador, AgroJusto helps create a level playing field, reducing the risk of unfair competition from exploitative practices. This, in turn, strengthens U.S. agricultural industries and supports American workers.