Progress on Living Wage Efforts

The Living Wage Piloting Programme (LWPP), launched in January 2024, marked a significant step forward in advancing living wages across banana supply chains in Latin America. Building on earlier pilots, the programme brought together 26 farms across six countries, reaching over 3,400 workers and engaging retailers, producers, and worker representatives.

Structured around four pillars - learning sessions, capacity development, wage data collection and verification, and responsible purchasing practices - the LWPP tested practical tools and approaches to closing wage gaps.

Retailers supported producers through voluntary financial contributions and responsible purchasing commitments, although scaling these efforts remains a challenge. In-person training and streamlined data systems emerged as key enablers for better implementation. 

The initiative is continuing in 2025 and now reaching more than 400 participating farms with 37.000 workers. This years’ “Living Wage Program” is aiming to cover at least 50% of each retailer’s sourcing volume and align on scalable, risk-based approaches to wage improvement. The activities remain similar: capacity building offers, wage data collection and verficiation as well as the implementation of repsonsible purchasing practices.