Dole Food Announces Carbon Neural Project

Dole Food Company Inc.'s operating subsidiary, Standard Fruit de Costa Rica, and Fondo Nacional de Financiamento Forestal (FONAFIFO), the National Forestry Financing Fund and an entity of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, are working together to establish a carbon neutral product supply chain for bananas and pineapples from its production in Costa Rica to the markets in North America and Europe. "Carbon neutral" -- as applied to the banana and pineapple product supply chains -- means that the carbon dioxide emitted to produce, pack, transport and distribute the fruit will be offset by mitigation practices, which increase the capture of carbon dioxide to achieve a 'neutral' balance. These practices entail new, more efficient transportation methods, changes to agricultural processes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and partnering with local farmers to implement preservation and reforestation programs.