Welcome to El Muelle, a Dole Company owned farm producing pineapples for Dole since 2004. In 2006, El Muelle produced a total of 2.6 million boxes of pineapples which were shipped to our markets around the world.
Where We Are
The farm is divided in two areas, the conventional pineapple farm and the new organic pineapple farm. Both are located in the rural district of San Carlos, in the Costa Rican Province of Alajuela. The district of San Carlos is the most important pineapple producing area of Costa Rica. The local climate is tropical and humid with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 28°C. The temperature and average rainfall of 2,000 to 2,500 mm/year provide the perfect conditions to grow our delicious DOLE pineapples.
The farm covers a surface of 1.449 ha of which 770 ha are dedicated to pineapple production. 487 ha are protected areas dedicated to reforestation programs and composed of natural forests, small lakes and canals. The reamining192 ha are used for roads and farm infrastructure.
The new organic farm covers a further 300ha.
There are around 10,500 people living in the community surrounding El Muelle.
In addition to the employment provided by the Farm, other sources for local employment include the production of sugar cane, citrus fruit such as oranges, and livestock. Papaya and tubercular production are in the process of being developed.
Our Workers
679 people work on the El Muelle Farm and are involved in all activities, from planting to administration of our business. 18% 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.
34% of the employees are between 18-25 years old, 36% between 25-35 years old, 20% between 35-45 years old, and 10% over 45 years old.
Since El Muelle started operations in 2004, 31% of the employees have been working on the farm for 1 year, 24.5% for between 1 to 2 years, 12% for between 2 to 3 years, 30.5% for between 3 to 4 years, and 2% for more than 4 years.
42 % of our workforce on El Muelle 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. Eden Mena has been working as a harvester in El Muelle for 4 years. he is now team manager.
“I like the atmosphere in my workplace. I manage a team of 14 harvesters and there is a lot of solidarity within the team and on top of that my relationship with my supervisors is very good.
I have worked here in two different departments and they have always been treated very well.
The heat here is very strong in the afternoon, for this reason we start our work early at around 06:00 am so that we can finish in the early hours of the afternoon. That is good because we get a lot of free time.
I live in the town next to the farm and the Company provides us with a bus service that allows me to go to work everyday and return home. In addition, they organize many sports tournaments. I have nothing else to ask for!”
…and Social Programs
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