Ecuador: The first plantain farms with Rainforest certification

The Rainforest certification, which is beginning to be necessary due to the increase in deforestation, has been one of the most sought after certifications in recent months. The Tropical Fruit Export Company from Ecuador, recently decided to take its social and environmental responsibility to the next level and started working with plantain producers to become certified. Nearly 30 producers are part of this project. 

"We've always tried to differentiate ourselves, at first by having Global Gap certification, and now by having the Rainforest certification. Achieving the latter was a big challenge; changing the mentality of the producers and making them aware that environmental damage is permanent and that it will affect us all, was the biggest challenge," said Gary Alvarez.

Currently, 8 farms have this certificate. 60% of the production is destined for the United States, and the remaining 40% to Europe. "We believe that the European market has the best prospects for this product. We can ship three containers per week from our farms. However, our goal and challenge is to raise awareness so that more producers certify their lands. The plantain that has this certification will have a differentiated price, which will improve the producer's quality of life and will lead to a socio-economic transformation," said Alvarez.

"Consuming and producing plantains with this certificate means we can leave a legacy to the next generation without damaging the environment. If this project becomes known at the national and global level, we'll be able to promote the use of these techniques to benefit producers and the consumers. Our goal is to totally change the sector's business perspective," said the spokesman. 

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