Achieving carbon neutrality in a banana farm

Platanera Rio Sixaola is a pioneer in sustainable banana plantation

Platanera Rio Sixaola is carbon neutral certified and the principles of the circular economy are central to its operations. It uses solar panels to supply 80% of its energy consumption. It recycles the water used in post-harvesting. It transforms agricultural organic waste into compost. It grows melina tress to make pallets in which the banana is then exported.

In order to safe guard the health of consumers, workers and the environment, harmful pesticides are prohibited and pest control is done through beneficial fungi and micro organisms.

90 ha of conservation area and extensive bio-corridors connect nearby natural forests which facilitates the movement of wildlife, provide shelter and food.

FARM FACTS

REGION: Talamanca, North-Eastern Costa Rica

SIZE: 296 ha

MANPOWER: 140

FARM TYPE: Bananas and Melina

RAINFALL: 2333 mm/year

ALTITUDE: 86 masl

SOIL: Alluvial soils

APPROACH: Sustainable banana production for export to Germany with zero nematicide and herbicide application

CERTIFICATIONS: Rainforest Alliance, GlobalGAP, CO2 neutral Marca País Esencial Costa Rica.

KEY FARMING PRACTICES:

• Soil management

• Biological control

• Premium prices for environmentally and socially friendly banana production