An ethical cooperation project rooted in organic farming
Italian organic farming is at the heart of an international cooperation project in Togo, in West Africa, aimed at strengthening local agricultural communities through a cooperative and sustainable model.
The initiative is promoted on the ground by Brio, a company founded by 15 small farmers united by shared organic values, in partnership with Coopermondo, the NGO of Confcooperative. Agrintesa, which represents around 4,000 fruit, vegetable, and wine producers from Emilia-Romagna, acts as the industrial and agronomic partner, while Alce Nero oversees commercialisation.
The Ananas Dolcetto project is co-financed by AICS under the Profit 2018 call, which selected innovative business initiatives in international cooperation aligned with sustainable development objectives.
Helping communities stand on their own
At the core of the Ananas Dolcetto project lies a clear ethical vision, supporting local communities with the tools they need to become autonomous, access markets, and build resilient livelihoods.
Today, the agricultural entrepreneurs involved in the project hold organic and Fairtrade certifications, part of an international movement focused on human rights, environmental protection, and sustainability.
The Ananas Dolcetto marketed under the Alce Nero brand has been well received by consumers and has also earned quality awards, confirming the market value of organic farming systems built on cooperation.
Organic farming as a driver of local development
In Togo, more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, and most of the active workforce depends on agriculture. In this context, the cooperative model of organic farming has proven to be an effective choice, ensuring stable income and supporting the social and economic development of local communities, a dynamic shared by many areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Ananas Dolcetto project brought together 1,500 farmers and around 500 hectares cultivated under organic farming standards.
Training and knowledge transfer
Farmers were supported throughout the transition to organic farming through training courses, knowledge and technology transfer, and the provision of technical equipment.
Product quality also generated significant economic returns, with positive effects on farmers and their families. The project now stands as a successful example of cooperation-based organic farming, with discussions underway on how to expand its impact further.
Thanks to commercialisation under the Alce Nero brand, Ananas Dolcetto has been showcased at Italian and international trade fairs and featured in online media. Around 30 million users were reached, and some went on to purchase the product, strengthening the link between African producers and global organic markets.