Fresh Del Monte Produce was recently awarded a 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category for the JUNTOS Project.
The initiative is focused on landscape restoration, conservation, and sustainable development, according to a news release.
Kicking off in 2021 in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the JUNTOS Project restores productive landscapes, conserves water resources in watersheds, continues to boost the economic development of communities in need, and provides education around sustainable land development for areas surrounding Fresh Del Monte’s banana and pineapple farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala, the release said.
JUNTOS brings local groups and other public sector groups together to align on conservation and community development and allows for local teachers and students to learn more about biodiversity and ecosystem services to integrate community development and environmental conservation efforts. The project has successfully reforested 860 acres of land, proposed nearly 1,000 acres for private wildlife refuges, set aside more than 24,700 acres of land for biodiversity conservation, and created five alliances to educate local communities, the release said.
Through the JUNTOS Project, Fresh Del Monte has developed a variety of programs within the communities that focus on conservation, restoration, and reforestation that aim to engage and educate locals to support these activities in their own communities, the release said.
While the JUNTOS Project currently only operates in Costa Rica and Guatemala, Fresh Del Monte hopes to expand it to other green economies, providing important cultural and ecological education for the next generation of sustainable development stewards.
“We are honored to be recognized by the SEAL Awards and are committed to being a sustainable business leader by promoting conservation and restoration best practices in emerging economies,” Hans Sauter, Fresh Del Monte chief sustainability officer, said in the release. “Through local collaborative efforts and a cross-functional, multi-stakeholder partnership, the JUNTOS Project has completed extensive reforestation and conservation efforts that will benefit local communities for years to come.”
Each year, the SEAL Awards recognize 50 of the most sustainable and recognized companies in the world, honoring their leadership, innovation and commitment to sustainable business practices. Fresh Del Monte takes a holistic approach to sustainability, weaving it into its business practices in every part of the value chain. This is the company’s third time being honored, the release said.
“Integration and impact are the watchwords of the 2024 SEAL Sustainability Awards,” Matt Harney, chairperson and founder of SEAL Awards, said in the release. “This year, we saw an impressive synthesis of technology, design, and innovation combined to drive sustainable impact.”
Fresh Del Monte is focusing on reducing its emissions and food waste, and adopting regenerative agriculture and smart farming practices, among many others, according to the release.
