SOS Rosarno is a Social Promotion Association that brings together small farmers, immigrant laborers, activists, as well as small artisans and operators of responsible tourism.

The purpose of the association is to "Promote and practice the culture of solidarity, mutual respect, and non-violence, pursue equality and social justice. Working towards overcoming any prejudice or barrier, whether it be cultural, social, bureaucratic, economic, or physical, that may represent a source of any form of disparity, discrimination, intolerance, xenophobia, racism, violence, and obstacle to true social and cultural integration of individuals, regardless of origin, social and economic status, race, gender, religious belief, and political affiliation."

The main activity is the organization of citrus and olive production according to criteria of organic agriculture and with the guarantee of regular employment of workers.

The association does not engage in commercial mediation, but only coordination and promotion activities, especially with Solidarity Purchase Groups and EquoSolidarity Shops throughout Italy, ensuring that participating producers respect all the principles and conditions of the project and directly connecting purchase groups with producers.

Through the sale of products at a fair price - which means higher than those imposed by the Large Organized Distribution market - fair remuneration for workers and fair compensation for producers are guaranteed, creating a small living example of a possible economic alternative for Calabria and particularly for Rosarno, based on sustainability, equity, and conviviality criteria.

At the moment, the only source of funding is the sale of products to Solidarity Purchase Groups, allocating a portion of the price to the financing of the association's management and another portion to the financing of support activities, rights promotion, and more generally solidarity towards seasonal workers who, by the thousands every fall-winter, crowd the plain of Gioia Tauro.

It currently involves 56 workers freed from the slavery of the mafia, from 10 different nations  and a network of 100 small and micro local producers.

https://economiasolidale.net/archivio/sos-rosarno

    Direct SDG 1: No Poverty: The project aims to support impoverished individuals, including immigrant laborers, by providing fair employment opportunities and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.
    
    Indirect SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By promoting organic agriculture and ensuring a sustainable food distribution system, the project contributes to eradicating hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food for all involved, including workers and local communities.
    
    Direct SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The project creates employment opportunities for marginalized groups, such as immigrant laborers and small-scale producers, promoting decent work conditions and sustainable economic growth within the community
 

1. What are the main goals and values promoted by SOS Rosarno, and how do they contribute to fostering social integration and justice?
2. How does SOS Rosarno support its activities financially, and what role do Solidarity Purchase Groups and EquoSolidarity Shops play in this process?
3. how is the organization's approach with principles of organic agriculture and fair labor practices?

Agostino Cefalo for Gramigna