The communities of Sullana has significantly benefited from the increased market demand for organic bananas during the past decade.

More specifically, this semi-desert Peruvian valley has gained access to the world economy thanks to Dole’s organic project initiated in 2001. 

The project began with a group of 361 small growers owning land ranging from 0.25 hectares to 2.5 hectares each and has progressively grown to cover 1,900 family growers and a total area of 1,570 hectares distributed over 7 grower groups and 7 communities (Huangala, Chalacala, San Vicente, Saman, Salitral, Querecotillo, Santa Cruz, La Horca).  Some of these growers groups are also covered by Fairtrade certifications.

It takes a lot of determination, resources and know-how to produce and process organic bananas in line with Dole’s quality and food safety standards.  So far, Dole has constructed more than 50 small packing stations throughout the Sullana valley, as well as ensured that local farmers are continuously trained in understanding and implementing export standards. Today, traditional practices, such as fertilizing with guano, go hand-in-hand with modern techniques such as fruit bagging techniques to protect against insects and pruning practices which improve yields. Organic bananas are produced under Good Agricultural Practices and then exported to Europe and the USA.     

The Sullana communities export almost two million banana boxes per year through Dole. This operation generates more than 2,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly) and provides a gross income of more than US$ 10 million per year for Sullana’s seven communities, thus improving their local economy. Sullana’s banana growers are now generating additional revenues, which in turn have spawned improvements in their communities’ infrastructure. Many areas now have public lighting, better equipped schools, increased access to potable water and improved roads.  Furthermore, concrete and brick houses decorated with ceramics are beginning to replace traditional huts, which had walls constructed out of tree branches tied together and then varnished with mud. 

In addition to the positive economic changes taking place thanks to the Company’s presence, Dole gives back to the communities through direct and indirect investments.