At a Glance

Location: Medellín, Colombia

Impact Areas: Labor Inclusion, Environment, Sustainable Income

People Supported:
Smallholder Farmers, Rural

Joined NESsT Portfolio:
2021

pomario.co

Overview

While Colombia’s fruit and vegetable market continues to thrive, promising even greater growth in coming years, the potential of the sector is not reflected in the quality of life of its rural producers and workers. A total of 86% of the country's rural workers operate without access to legal employment contracts. This lack of protection against fluctuating seasonal demands and climate-induced disasters means the informal workforce faces great economic uncertainty. In fact, many workers live below the poverty line.

For almost a decade, Pomario has worked to harness the potential of organic farming in Medellín and its surrounding areas and improve the livelihoods of those who depend on these croplands, impacting an estimated 200 rural lives to date.

Today, Pomario employs 50 employees from marginalized backgrounds – 69% of whom are women – under formal work contracts that entitle workers to a stable income 30% above minimum wage, plus access to additional services such as a credit line for educational purposes. This lending program has already supported 12 employees to access higher education, several of whom have been promoted within the company as a result of their new qualifications. 

Pomario is also committed to fostering an environment where women – who make up a disproportionate percentage of workers in the informal sector – can advance their careers in agriculture and access further training while providing for their families.

Each season, Pomario and its small network of independent farmers co-design cultivation programs that outline pricing and ensure equitable profit-share. It identifies vegetables that are in high demand and teaches local producers how to cultivate them organically and in larger quantities to boost their earning potential. The enterprise also engages young people in the process to connect them to their lands. 

The organic produce sourced from smallholder farmers and grown in Pomario’s greenhouses is converted into value-added products at the production site in Santa Elena. These high-quality, organic ingredients include pre-packed salads, sprouts, edible flowers, and micro vegetables, which are sold to local restaurants and supermarket chains.

NESsT Investment

During its time in NESsT’s acceleration program, Pomario attained remarkable growth and impact. In addition to obtaining organic certification, the social enterprise achieved 53% increase in staff from marginalized communities and almost 200% growth in revenue. By graduating to the Lirio Fund, Pomario can access larger loans to further scale its business and harness the potential for growth identified in the country’s capital. The Fund will also support Pomario’s efforts to enhance economies of scale, improve logistics, and access key markets along Colombia’s northern coast.

Pomario aims to double its social impact to improve the livelihoods of around 105 people by the end of the loan term.