FAIR TRADE ORGANIC DOLE PINEAPPLES
Fair Trade Organic Dole Pineapples grown in Costa Rica are available year-round. To earn Fair Trade certification, farms must adhere to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. Once certified, the fruit grower or farm workers, will have a fair price for their business and the farmworkers directly earn an additional premium to invest in the community or business development with every purchase. They then democratically vote on how to use the money to best address their needs. This direct economic benefit is truly what makes Fair Trade unique, and is a process that takes time and dedication to be realized. Fair Trade certified products stand for environmental responsible production methods and welfare of the communities and surroundings. Two community centers near Dole’s Muelle and Bosque Farms in Costa Rica, were made possible by Fair Trade purchases. Coming together the workers identified a critical need, saved over time, and invested their Fair Trade Funds in a project that will serve the community for decades to come. That’s the Fair Trade Difference at work. Unique in the fresh fruit industry, these centers were built to improve the quality of life of employees, and those in surrounding communities of Cutris in San Carlos and Guacimo in Limon, Costa Rica.
“These facilities have become a reality thanks to the Fair Trade USA program,” said Renato Acuna, Dole President of Fresh Fruit Latin America. “This certification acknowledges that we are striving to increase farm worker empowerment, including leadership and organization of farm workers, economic development, and to ensure fair working conditions and environmentally responsible production methods. We are proud to have achieved this standard."
Education is a common need for many farming communities in Latin America. Previously the Fair Trade Committee at Dole’s La Virgen Farm built a community Education Center in 2013. Programs include computer skills, English, manicure/pedicure skills, handicraft classes(sewing, ceramics), motorcycle repair, and reading and writing through an alphabetization program.
About FairTrade USA
Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers; protects fragile ecosystems; and builds strong, transparent supply chains through independent, third-party certification. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label signifies that rigorous standards have been met in the production, trade and promotion of Fair Trade products from over 80 countries across the globe. Recognized as a leading social venture by the Clinton Global Initiative, the Skoll Foundation and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also provides critical capacity-building programs at origin and educates consumers about the power of their purchase. Visit www.FairTradeCertified.org for more information.
Download Fair Trade POS, Fair Trade Principles and FAQ’s on Earl’s Marketing page.
