In Dole does not have any operation in Colombia. The Company buys conventional and organic bananas through a supplier called TECBACO. Dole makes sure TECBACO complies with the Company’s high quality, environmental and social standards

Products and Areas of Products

TECBACO sources from approximately 80 independent growers, both conventional and organic bananas.  In conjunction with the Environmental Management System, the environmental performance of independent growers is evaluated periodically by Company audits.  In addition to the audits, on-site recommendations on agricultural practices are provided.  Company agricultural supervisors are present at each farm, every harvesting day.

Independent Growers

TECBACO sources bananas from approximately 68 independent growers. In conjunction with the Environmental Management System, the environmental performance of independent growers is evaluated periodically by Company audits. In addition to the audits, on-site recommendations on agricultural practices are provided. Company agricultural supervisors are present at each farm, every harvesting day.

Environmental Practices

In Colombia, TECBACO’s Environmental Management System was ISO 14001 certified for the first time in January 2000.

TECBACO’s achievements in the environmental area include:

• Recycling of 16,032 cubic meters of water per month on 5 TECBACO farms
• Recycling of the water used in the packing plants for field irrigation in 18 independent farms
• Construction of water recirculation systems in 21 independent farms
• Construction of 25 reservoirs with a total capacity of 363,400 cubic meters, as a way to avoid extracting water from deep wells
• Annual recycling of 200 tons of plastic waste by a group of 60 single mothers, who collect, press, bale, and later sell the plastic as a raw material for plastic siding and hosing, among other uses
• Complete collection and adequate disposal of containers in the entire banana area. TECBACO was the first banana company to support this initiative, developed by the Asociación Nacional de Industriales (ANDI)
• Reduction by more than 80% of post harvest fungicides, through the implementation of a ‘brush’ system
• Reduction by 15% of herbicide use, through the development of local cover crops that compete with weeds
• Implementation of organic waste composting programs, oil reuse programs and environmental initiatives in airport facilities

Labor Conditions

TECBACO was SA 8000 certified at the beginning of 2007, demonstrating that labor conditions are in compliance with the applicable labor laws and Conventions of the International Labor Organization.

Training

TECBACO has several important training programs for its workforce. Standard training programs include:

• Emergency preparation, first aid education and fire prevention
• Safe use and handling of crop protection products
• Overall occupational safety
• Good Manufacturing Practices
• Good Agricultural Practices
• Environmental awareness
• ISO 14001, SA 8000, ISO 18000 (occupational health and safety standards) and quality awareness

TECBACO receives support from the National Institute of Social Security, which regulates health benefits in Colombia and provides training to employees.

On TECBACO farms, approximately 200 training events take place each year with an average length of two hours per session. Approximately 3,400 people are trained annually.

In the administrative and carton manufacturing areas, the training program includes educational events totaling 2,200 hours per year. In addition to the "on-the-job" daily training provided by the agricultural supervisor, TECBACO trains independent growers’ employees in several areas, concentrating on the safe use and handling of crop protection products and hygiene in the packing process.

Social Benefits

Workers on TECBACO-owned farms frequently earn in excess of the minimum wage and are paid twice per month. Company-owned farms are grouped into two legal entities, one of which has a Collective Agreement negotiated with Sintrainagro, a union representing agricultural workers. In the case of the other legal entity, negotiations take place directly with workers. TECBACO has maintained very good labor relations with workers and their organizations. Every worker is entitled to approximately 7-10 kilos of free bananas per week. This contributes significantly to family meals, since bananas are a traditional staple in daily food consumption.

By law, workers are protected when ill. Workers receive compensation from the government social system during the first three days of absence. Beginning on the fourth day, the employer is required to
cover 75% of the cost.

Under Colombian law, workers and their families must receive social security protection in the health, pension, and labor risk areas. To cover this obligation, the employer must make contributions equal to approximately 20.3% of its payroll. Workers contribute about 7.5% of their salaries. TECBACO is very rigorous in its compliance with all legal requirements. Office personnel and carton manufacturing plant employees have medical insurance provided to them which covers 75% of medical costs. TECBACO also provides free transportation for employees from their residences to the workplace.

Community Programs

Foundation

TECBACO and its independent growers make contributions for every exported box of bananas to the FUNDEBAN Foundation (Foundation for the Development of the Banana Zone). The Foundation, which has been operating for 15 years, works to improve the quality of life in various communities throughout the Magdalena banana zone.

The Foundation has built infrastructures such as roads, schools, libraries, and has assisted with the construction or refurbishment of 10 health centers.

In addition, the FUNDEBAN Foundation signed an agreement in 1992 with city and government officials in order to improve or develop water infrastructures. The FUNDEBAN Foundation made a substantial financial investment in drinking water services and sanitary installations in the Magdalena area. As a result, 15 aqueducts have been constructed, increasing the availability of potable water from 20% to 90% in the region. More than 68,000 people now have access to potable water and 2,198 families have gained access to sanitary installations.

Medical Programs

TECBACO provides medical programs in all its operational areas. TECBACO administers a preventive medical system that includes general medical examinations, gynecology, breast and uterus cancer prevention, prostate cancer prevention and vaccinations against tetanus, hepatitis B, yellow fever, influenza and the mumps.

Education Programs

TECBACO provides school supplies, textbooks and materials for the children of its employees.

Housing Programs

TECBACO has also developed social infrastructures and housing projects, and finances the material for workers to build their own homes. The FUNDEBAN Foundation works with the government to obtain subsidies for home improvement for TECBACO farm workers. As of 2005, 100 home subsidies have been granted by the government with TECBACO’s participation.

Other programs

TECBACO manages the purchase of bicycles for its farm workers, as this is the most common and useful form of transportation for workers who live close to the farms. Buses are hired to transport employees that live further from their workplace.

Main Certifications

• ISO 9001
  • TECBACO for the sale of bananas for export and the sale and manufacturing of cardboard boxes
  • Serteba (Santa Marta) for the reception, storage, refrigeration and loading of fruit on ships
• ISO 14001: TECBACO for the production, harvesting and packing of bananas (including technical assistance programs for independent producers)
• SA 8000: TECBACO