Project to Build and Strengthen Sustainability Systems in the Tomato & Chile Sectors in Mexico
About the Project
From 2022 to 2025, Proyecto Sustentar worked to enable good labor practices through strong management systems—supported by worker voice and engagement with communities and stakeholders.
To achieve this mission, we implemented a holistic methodology to address labor challenges both inside and outside of the workplace – from implementing capacity building initiatives with our private sector partners to forming Community Circles to develop locally owned, relevant solutions.
Objectives
Increased Compliance
Increased compliance with labor laws related to child labor, forced labor, and acceptable conditions of work by private sector stakeholders in tomato and chile pepper supply chains
Better Implementation
Increased application of effective and sustainable compliance and remediation systems by private sector stakeholders
Outcomes
Stronger Understanding
Increased understanding of USMCA’s labor standards and corresponding risks in the target industries
Improved Integration
Core labor standards are fully incorporated into agricultural social compliance and remediation systems
Target Areas
Baja California
Baja California is one of Mexico’s top-producing states for tomatoes and tomatoes are the most exported agricultural commodity in this state.
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is one of Mexico’s top-producing states for tomatoes and among the top-producing states for chile peppers.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua is one of the top-producing states for chile pepper production in Mexico, accounting for about 16% of total production in Mexico.
Program News
Sustentar Project Comes to a Close
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) terminated all contracts under its International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) division, including the Sustentar project, led by SAI. We recognize the significant contributions and investments made by all our partners and stakeholders, and we deeply regret the impact this unexpected decision may have had on your…
Testimonial: Sustentar is addressing challenges in a new way
Sustentar has used novel approaches the last few months to understand the challenges employers and workers face in production and to build their capacity for labor compliance. Recently, Engineer Meza, a chile pepper grower in Meoqui, Chihuahua spoke to the Sustentar team about his experience with the project. “I have been a chile pepper grower…
Proyecto Sustentar and AHIFORES hold forum on strengthening the competitiveness of the tomato sector in Mexico
Proyecto Sustentar and AHIFORES held a forum called “Strengthening the competitiveness of the tomato sector in Mexico” on October 10 and 11, 2023 in Ensenada, Baja California. As a space for open dialogue between tomato sector stakeholders at the employer level (e.g., directors, managers, and coordinators of social responsibility), the event fostered collaboration within the…
Funding is provided by the United States Department of Labor under cooperative agreement number IL-38036-22-75-K. 100% of the total costs of the project is financed with USG federal funds, for a total of $5,000,000 dollars. This material does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.
