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SEKEM

PURPOSE

SEKEM’s purpose is to generate sustainable development by reclaiming and cultivating desert land through organic and biodynamic farming methods; create a healthy basis for human development through fair and ethical economic activities; and contribute to a balanced society by enabling human beings to unfold their individual potential by supporting their education, inner development, and social consciousness.

INDUSTRY

Pharmaceuticals, textiles and agriculture

PRODUCT / SERVICE

Organic herbs, seeds, spices, foodstuff, beverages, textiles

TARGET BENEFICIARIES

IMPACT MODEL

Products and services: SEKEM’s product range generates important health impacts for consumers - for example, phyto-pharmaceutical products that ease debilitating respiratory and gastro-intestinal diseases, and organic clothing, vegetables, juices, oils, and home textiles that do not harm human health and pollute groundwater as conventional farming practices do.

Farming practices. SEKEM has restored 630 hectares of desert to productive use through biodynamic agricultural methods - utilizing only organic seeds, compost, and fertilizer, managing self-sustaining water systems, and enriching biodiversity - all while contributing to carbon sequestration by planting 600,000 trees.

Employment practices. 100% of SEKEM employees across all holding companies have a pension plan and life insurance, and 35% have private health insurance. (All of these insurance policies were developed by and are heavily subsidized by the company.) The ratio of the highest to lowest annual full- time salary is 26:1, which is slowly narrowing from 31:1 two years ago because the SEKEM board approved a salary increase to 2000 EGP/ month for all entry-level employees (40% above the national minimum wage).

• Distribution of Profit. 10% of SEKEM’s net profits is donated to the SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF), which delivers the educational, health, cultural activities described above. An additional 10% of SEKEM’s net profits is invested in research initiatives run out of Heliopolis University to further develop sustainable agricultural methods. A final 10% of net profits is allocated to contribute to the individual potential and consciousness of all suppliers, contract farmers, and other producers in their supply chain.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

LOCATION

Egypt

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CASE STUDY:

SEKEM

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