Fact Check: "About 900 families produce rubber for a French shoe company, Veja."
What We Know
The claim that "about 900 families produce rubber for a French shoe company, Veja," is supported by multiple sources. According to a report by the Associated Press, the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, where these families reside, is home to approximately 4,000 families, with around 900 of them engaged in rubber production specifically for Veja (source-2). This project has been described as successful, although the demand for the rubber produced does not fully utilize the reserve's production capacity (source-1).
Additionally, Veja sources rubber from a broader network, including about 1,200 families across various cooperatives in five Amazonian states, which includes Acre, where the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve is located (source-3).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is credible and comes from reputable news organizations. The Associated Press is known for its rigorous journalistic standards, and the information provided aligns with other reports regarding Veja's sourcing practices. The claim is corroborated by the Washington Post, which also confirms the number of families involved in rubber production for Veja (source-1).
While there is some variation in the exact number of families reported (with one source mentioning 1,200 families across multiple states), the specific figure of 900 families producing rubber for Veja within the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve is consistent across multiple credible sources. This indicates a strong reliability of the information.
The broader context of the rubber production in the Amazon, including the challenges faced by rubber tappers due to competition from cattle ranching, adds depth to the understanding of the economic landscape in which these families operate (source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that "about 900 families produce rubber for a French shoe company, Veja," is True. This conclusion is based on consistent reporting from multiple credible sources, confirming the number of families involved in rubber production for Veja and the context of their work within the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve.
Sources
- Removal of hundreds of illegal cattle in the Amazon sparks ... Washington Post
- Removal of illegal cattle from reserve in Brazil's Amazon sparks ... Associated Press
- Fashion sneakers propel sustainable rubber in Brazil Amazon Associated Press
