Why is MorgenLand investing in its own cultivation projects?

The word “project” originates from the Latin “von projectum” and means “thrown forth” or “to throw forth”.

MorgenLand is one of the pioneers in the organic movement and specialises in organic fruits, organic nuts and organic coconut products. From the very start, owner Orhan Yilmaz knew that farming is the basis for high quality but also readily available organic products. The procurement of raw materials has become increasingly important due to increasing demand. In addition to this, the quality requirements for organic products have also increased. Because the large majority of these raw materials originates from outside Europe, a personal relationship with the organic farmers serves as a guarantee of good quality and sustainable supply, and this is still the case today. MorgenLand’s cultivation projects are therefore key to extending the amount of organic cultivatable land and ensuring the sustainable procurement of raw materials for the company. Due to our close contact with growers and processors we can also influence sustainable and social issues on site. MorgenLand’s motto is: “From the field to the shop shelf – everything from one source!”

How do things start?

Normally things start with a raw material being required which is not always available in sufficient quantities, or at an adequate level of quality. Partners who meet the criteria needed for working together with MorgenLand as sustainable suppliers are sought out. Of course, opportunities must also exist for the material that we are searching for. However, the quality of the personal contact and the objectives of the people involved are more important than current market conditions. If our search for a compatible partner is successful, a MorgenLand project is launched.

What is the goal of our projects?

The main task of our project manager and his or her agricultural engineers is to recognise opportunities and develop a strong and promising structure with the growers for the shared objectives The scope of this task varies from project to project. Any of the following might be necessary: from the conversion to an agricultural organic facility, the implementation of documented quality assurance systems to harvest planning and employee training. Further steps and also the maximisation of a project’s potential should be realised whilst preserving a facility’s original state, as far as possible. A good example of this is MorgenLand’s cultivation project Sri Lanka. Coconut milk is produced there on site and filled and labelled in German cans due to quality reasons. In order for us to be able to be a reliable, sustainable partner, we need to be capable of buying the entire amount at a fair price and then be able to market it. Our sales and marketing work is significantly influenced by this fact. All MorgenLand cultivation projects in future will be certified in accordance with the guidelines from FairTSA, and by doing this we aim to prove our social responsibility in the value creation chain. We have already acquired certification for the processors and first growers in Sri Lanka.

What is our objective?

• To ensure the sustainable procurement of high quality organic raw materials for our company.
• To know the production chain right up to the point of origin and to be able to have an influence on this.
• To promote independent organisation on-site by maintaining functioning systems for harvest planning and quality assurance.
• Fair payment and good working conditions for the growers.
• And in addition to this, expanding organic cultivation – especially outside Europe.