A number of European supermarkets are committed to the BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) Code of Conduct. Several of these are long term customers of Boland Cellar and expect us to also subscribe to the code. To fulfil this commitment, Boland Cellar staff members and our producers in turn were introduced to the BSCI process since February 2010 to raise awareness and establish training levels. Boland Cellar and our producers made a declaration of commitment towards the Code of Conduct and indicated our intent to prepare during 2010 for an official independent audit. We implemented policies and actions to ensure full adherence to the code of conduct as stipulated by the BSCI. A final independent audit is planned during the next few months.

Farm Workers Trust

The farm worker forms an important part in the supply chain within Boland Cellar. With this in mind the “thank you to the farm worker” initiative was born. Over the past year there have been numerous projects to get more involved with the farm workers and to show appreciation for their hard work in the vineyard. The men were introduced to the working cellar so that they could get a better understanding of the production process, and the women were introduced to an educational therapist who gave seminars to assist them with the development of self-esteem children.  We have a partnership with a therapist that assists some of the woman who needs therapy. Boland Cellar sponsored two talent shows where the children had the opportunity to show case their special acting and dancing talents. The involvement of younger men and woman on the farms in sport activities is supported by Boland Cellar in the form of sponsorships. We have a special surprise for the children; they get a gift from the cellar on their birthday! The feedback from the farm workers has been so gratifying and the staff of Boland Cellar thoroughly enjoys working on this project!

BEE Accreditation

Boland Cellar will be audited for their SEB score card during August 2011. The focus of the audit will be on the following four elements:  preferential procurement,  skills development and socio economic development (Boland Cellar Farm Workers Trust).