Organic Program
As defined by the Organic Trade Association, organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on using minimal off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Basically, organic agriculture puts the focus on improving soil fertility through the use of mineral and natural fertilizers and enhancing biological cycles for natural insect and disease control.
As consumer interest in organic products rises and new organic production and marketing systems keep evolving, organic agriculture continues to rapidly expand in the United States.
Dole’s Certified Organic Banana and Pineapple Program is at the forefront of organic agriculture and meeting the consumer demand for quality products.
In addition to using conventional agricultural production methods, Dole has been exploring alternative growing methods to provide consumers with a choice on how their bananas are grown. At the forefront of this organic initiative is Dole’s Certified Organic Banana and Pineapple Program.
Researching topics from soil fertility, biological disease and insect control, Dole in many ways acts as a leader in the agricultural industry. One example is how the company seeks alternatives to synthetic chemicals in their production methods even for conventional bananas. Since the 1980s, Dole’s integrated pest management (IPM) natural controls have been integrated with cultural methods to reduce the use of chemical products for crop production and some of the IPM techniques have eliminated use of some chemicals altogether. Dole continues to investigate new, non-chemical methods to protect the crops and implement them as fast as possible in all their farms.
Dole produces organically-grown bananas in its own farms and sources from independent organic growers located in Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Colombia and Peru for the European and North American Markets.
100% of Dole’s organic bananas are certified organic and follow the organic production standards as set by the law in the US, Canada, EU, Japan and Korea as well as those applicable in the country of origin.
Dole is also working on an Organic Pineapple Program, a limited volume of which is now available in US, Canada and Europe. Consumers can find these under Dole’s “YOURCHOICE” label and/or "Dole Organic" label.
DOLE Organic Bananas and Pineapples are distributed throughout the USA, Canada, Japan and Europe and are sold through the Dole Sales offices. Dole’s organic bananas and pineapple are backed by Dole’s dedication to quality control measures and to the safety of their employees, communities and environment.
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