Chiquita releases updated sustainability report

Chiquita has released an updated 2021-2022 sustainability report.

The 26-page report spotlights both its longstanding and most recent initiatives that support sustainability from farm to table, including its “30BY30” Carbon Reduction Program, according to a news release.

“Chiquita is committed to long-lasting change in local communities in which we cultivate our bananas and the planet as a whole,” Peter Stedman, Chiquita’s director of sustainability, said in the release. “The brand has implemented a variety of strategies, including a detailed guide to reduce our carbon emissions as we set out to achieve a more sustainable future.”

Earlier this year, Chiquita introduced the 30BY30 initiative, a major program aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the entire brand’s operations by 30% by the end of 2030, according to the release.

The brand recognizes climate change as an imminent threat to banana crops, valued farmland and the planet. The 30BY30 sustainability program and aggressive climate target goals were approved by the Science Based Target Initiative, making Chiquita the first global fruit company to be recognized by the initiative.

Chiquita’s Farmer’s Code consists of farm rejuvenation and reengineering of farmland, which aims to improve efficiency and increase yield while reducing Chiquita’s environmental impact, according to the release.

Chiquita said it is preserving and enhancing biodiversity by protecting diversity on its farms, minimizing its operation’s impact on the environment and pioneering reforestation partnerships with its stakeholders.

These efforts have produced the Nogal resort in Costa Rica, according to the release.

 Since starting the Nogal project, Chiquita has worked to involve local communities by coordinating environmental education programs. So far, over 30,000 students and farmers have taken part in these programs, improving their knowledge about biodiversity, waste management, ecosystem services and conservation, according to the release.

In addition, Chiquita helped to build a school cafeteria, open-air gym and library with community internet access, the release said.