WIETA drives inclusivity for black wine producers

The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA), in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, recently hosted an event in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to celebrate its Black Producer Ethical Support Programme.

- 

WIETA CEO Linda Lipparoni told Farmer's Weekly that the initiative, launched seven years ago at the department's request, aims to help black-owned wine brands and farmers achieve WIETA ethical assurance.

“The programme seeks to equip black-owned wine brands and producers with the technical and legal tools to integrate ethical systems into their businesses, to uphold safe and fair working conditions and comply with international ethical trade standards and market requirements,” she said.

The support includes human resource and health and safety guidance, assistance with administrative and infrastructure development, and help with municipal approvals for facilities such as chemical stores, sanitation, water systems and housing.

The organisation also assists with the appointment of contractors to carry out required upgrades and supports funding applications for infrastructure investment and development.

Additionally, WIETA provides training to support compliance with occupational health and safety, labour law, local municipal regulations, housing standards, and institutional and governance requirements.