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Saving What Remains
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Several organizations have established programs that certify products that are grown in an ecologically friendly way. The Rainforest Alliance has established just such a program with banana farms, which traditionally are not considered environmentally sound since rainforest is usually cleared for planting. The "ECO-OK" label indicates that farmers have met the guidelines set forth by the Rainforest Alliance including: cutting no primary rainforest, using organic wastes as fertilizer, using minimal amounts of herbicides and pesticides, planting a cover crop under banana plants to enrich the soil and reduce erosion, providing wildlife habitat and corridors, and providing good training and a decent wage for workers. Many of the certified banana farms are owned by Chaquita. The program serves as an outstanding example of carrying out ecologically friendly agriculture, while providing income to farmers. |
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Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2005 |