When we think about ethical and sustainable sourcing, Fairtrade often comes to mind. It’s a globally recognised standard, ensuring that farmers and producers receive a fair wage for their labour. But there’s another way of doing things that’s equally, if not more, empowering for local communities—free-range harvesting. This lesser-known but incredibly powerful approach is changing lives in places like Albertina, a small town in the Western Cape of South Africa. The official manufacturers of the unique range of Aloe Ferox products embrace this philosophy.
At first glance, Fairtrade and free-range harvesting might seem like they’re cut from the same cloth. Both aim to ensure workers are treated fairly, but there’s something a bit more personal and community-focused about free-range harvesting. It’s based on trust, mutual respect, and a simple handshake deal. No paperwork, no bureaucracy—just people working together to ensure everyone benefits.
The power of a handshake.
In Albertina, free-range harvesting operates on a system as old as time. The local farmers and harvesters don’t rely on contracts or middlemen. Instead, they meet, shake hands, and agree on how things will work. The harvester, who’s often a small-scale worker or even a family unit, decides when and where they’ll collect the produce. They work under their own steam, with full control over how they do their job. It’s a system built on trust, mutual benefit, and a shared understanding that everyone needs to be looked after.
This might sound too informal for today’s world, but it works beautifully. In fact, it’s the way many communities around the world have been operating for centuries. The harvester isn’t just a worker—they’re an entrepreneur, deciding how best to use their skills and labour. Their reward doesn’t go through intermediaries or large organisations rather it goes directly into their pockets, to support their families and communities.
A real impact on local communities.
One of the biggest advantages of free-range harvesting is that it keeps the wealth local. In Albertina, where opportunities can be scarce, this way of working ensures that the money made from harvesting benefits the community directly. The harvesters take home the fruits of their labour—quite literally—and use it to improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
Think of the benefits. Children who can go to school. Local shops that thrive because families more disposable income. Community projects that get a boost because people have more control over their earnings. And the independence of employment and the pride and wellbeing that delivers. This grassroots approach to harvesting is personal and it works. .
A story of empowerment.
The beauty of free-range harvesting is that it’s about more than just a fair wage. It’s about empowerment. Harvesters are free to decide how they work, what they harvest, and when they do it. This kind of independence can be life-changing, especially in places like Albertina, where opportunities for stable, well-paid work can be hard to find.
And it’s not just the harvesters who benefit. The farmers, too, get to know and trust the people who work their land. They build relationships that go beyond the transactional, often supporting each other through difficult times and celebrating the good ones together.
The free-range harvesting practice deserves a place at the ethical sourcing conversation table.
Fairtrade is important. That’s not disputed. But I think that free-range harvesting offers something different, something more personal. It’s a reminder that ethical sourcing doesn’t have to come from large-scale organisations. Sometimes, the best way to support communities is by keeping things simple, local, and based on trust.
At the end of the day, free-range harvesting is about people—people like the hardworking harvesters in Albertina, South Africa. People who are making a real difference in their communities. So the next time you reach for an ethically sourced product, take a moment to think about the hands that harvested it, and the handshake deals that made it possible.
We are thankful that we can offer the range to you, thanks to the labours of intrepid free-range harvesters on the ground, or the hill, if you will. To square the circle with all this goodwill, productivity, and community spirit, enter the manufacturers, Aloe Ferox. A family-based business that’s been operating for decades they turn the raw produce into a range of effective products. They follow science, fashion and strict manufacturing codes of practice to put those powerful plant botanicals into convenient lotions and potions.
The Aloe Ferox range of products reflect this powerful and sustainable way of working.
Are you an Aloe Ferox fan yet?
Michelle
