2021 Partner Report: Finca Elvesia

Finca Elvesia
Dominican Republic

This year, on my visit  to Finca Elvesia I was joined by Nelson Britus, Taza’s Plant Manager. Nelson is Haitian-American, and was able to speak with many of the farm’s staff in Creole and learn in more depth about the pay and working conditions on the farm. This was such a valuable opportunity to connect more fully with the Finca Elvesia team than I have been able to while speaking Spanish and English. 

Many of the staff at Elvesia have been there for several years. They shared that they have been able to save money and even send money home to their families in Haiti. The farm management also helps them obtain residency papers which can give the workers and their families access to government and education resources and healthcare. Migrant labor in the Dominican Republic is a critical component of the labor market, as it is here in the United States. We are committed to making sure that the pay is fair and in compliance with local laws. I am pleased to see this farm continue to grow and provide good employment in the community, and I am especially grateful for their excellent quality cacao.

-- Alex Whitmore, Taza CEO  

Visiting Finca Elvesia

Our most recent in-person visit to Finca Elvesia was in June 2021.

*Price based on FOB terms and equal to the negotiated fixed price or to the negotiated premium plus the world market price on the day the contract is closed

**Price the individual farmer receives for their cacao prior to its export. Taza's 2016 Transparency Report, "Let's Talk Price" provides an in-depth exploration of the topic

*** Wages are paid in local currency and are translated into USD, but are not adjusted for purchasing power or a country's cost of living. Where a range is given, wages vary based on type of work and skill and experience level. In all cases, our Partners pay employees at or above their country's minimum wage