is a well-known reference for Good Agricultural Practices with four main principles : " food safety, " occupational health, " safety and welfare, " environmental protection and " animal welfare.

Bonita Europe's commitment of providing international markets with products of the highest standards has made it possible for its local growers to receive the first EurepGAP certificates in Ecuador at the beginning of 2004.

At this moment, farms, representing more than 1600 hectares of banana cultivation have received the EurepGAP certificate. The EurepGap certificate signifies that the fruit meets the demanding standards of the GAP Protocol for the entire production process.

Another 500 hectares will be certified in the next months and all of Bonita Europe 's producers are already complying with GAP standards. In addition, 50 % of Bonita Baby Bananas are also EurepGap certified.

The objective is to have 100% of Bonita Europe 's fruit carrying the EurepGAP certification.

The Meta Banana Program is the latest agricultural breakthrough at production site and if offered as a valuable resource to Ecuadorian banana growers. The forward-thinking program is based on the concept of ‘ Accurate Agriculture ’, which aims to decrease the production costs, improve quality and produce higher returns for the grower.

Detailed analysis of soil and plant conditions determine optimal nutritional and pest management. ‘ Accurate Agriculture ’ places strong emphasis on beneficial microelements and organisms applied in small amounts, at an economical cost, promoting increased production. Improved nutritional management can boost production levels 30 to 40% over present levels.

The Metabana Program also embraces ethical-social issues, specifically the eradication of child labor on banana plantations, in accordance with the company ’s stringent child labor policy. On the environmental front, priority is given to the recycling of plastic and organic waste e.g. the banana stem, which is being transformed into low-cost organic fertilizer.

‘ Accurate Agriculture ’ is offered to all growers who participate in the Metabana Program. The program is environmentally sensitive, cost effective and designed to increase yields using safe and beneficial cutting-edge methodology.