Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.

Its certification is built on the three pillars of sustainability – environmental protection, social equity and economic viability – and encourages farmers to grow crops and manage ranchlands using supportive methods.

Dole’s ISO 14001 management systems follow all requirements set by the Rainforest Alliance standard. Some buyers in Europe and the United States, however, insist that such certification be easily recognizable for consumers by adding a trademarked seal to the food. As a result, Dole has encouraged many of its banana and pineapple farms in Costa Rica, as well as its banana plantations in Ecuador and Honduras, to go through Rainforest Alliance’s specific certification.