The availability of a reliable supply of clean, affordable water is an issue of concern for people and businesses in every part of the world particularly in areas where water is scarce.

Agricultural operations have traditionally been some of the heaviest users of water resources.

In response to the need to monitor water resources carefully, Dole has established water management plans in its operating divisions comprised of elements such as:

• Installation of water meters at the packing facilities
• Establishment of water consumption reduction programs and water use goals within the managements systems
• Research and implementation of more efficient irrigation systems
• Development and operation of water reservoirs in low rainfall areas
• Training on water conservation
• Design and installation of  an innovative water re-circulation system that reduces the amount of water used in its packing facilities

By recycling the water used during food processing, Dole’s facilities are able to use water more efficiently, protect the local aquifers and reduce the need to treat water before returning it to the environment.

In Ecuador the Company has designed and helped install units in 75 out of the 176 packing plants from which the Company purchases fruit.  This represents yearly water savings of approximately 1.1 million cubic meters. 

This water saving initiative is not unique to Ecuador as water re-circulation systems have also been implemented in other countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica and Colombia. The Company designs the systems and assists its independent growers in installing and operating them. In packing plants, each system saves on average between 15 and 20,000 cubic meters of water per year.