Welcome to El Bosque, a Dole Company owned farm producing pineapples for Dole since 1997. Previously El Bosque was a banana farm and was transformed into a pineapple farm over 10 years ago, to become the first Dole pineapple farm in Costa Rica. In 2006, El Bosque produced a total of 2.5 million boxes of pineapples which were shipped to our markets around the world.

Where We Are

We are located in the rural district of Guácimo, in Costa Rica’s Limon Province. The local climate is tropical and humid with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 32°C. The average rainfall is of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 mm/year.

The farm covers a surface of 1,400 ha, of which 850 ha is dedicated to pineapple production, and the rest is mostly protected forest.

There are approximately 35,000 people living in the community surrounding the El Bosque farm.

In addition to the employment provided by the farm, other sources for local employment include the export business of other local products such as decorative plants, bananas, maniocs and yams.

Our Workers

808 people work on the El Bosque Farm and are involved in all activities, from planting to administration of our business.  7% of our employees are female, and all our workers are at least 18 years old.  No children are allowed to work on the farm, which is in line with Dole’s worldwide labor policy.

26% of the employees are between 18-25 years old, 37% between 25-35 years old, 23.5% between 35-45 years old, and 13.5% over 45 years old.

83% of the employees have been working in El Bosque for less than 5 years, and 17% for between 6 to 10 years.

39 % of our workforce on El Bosque farm is Nicaraguan.  The rest is Costa Rican.

Attractive Working Conditions…

The farm pays an average of 70% above the local legal minimum wage.

Employee Testimonial

Mr. Gerardo Luis Martinez has been working as harvester in El Bosque for almost 3 years.

“I have been working as a harvester for over 2 years.  I live in Humo, which is a town close to the farm which is why I come to work on my bicycle instead of using the transportation service provided by the farm.

We work very well because the conditions are better than on other farms, especially because there is a good communication with bosses and my colleagues.  Also we receive a lot of training, we have health fairs and many organized sports activities. All this creates a very good job atmosphere, and even though sometimes it is hard work, it makes me feel good in my job.”

…and Social Programs

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