A Partnership for Sustainability: EARTH University and Whole Foods Market Daniel Sherrard Provost, EARTH University

What is EARTH University? An international university in Costa Rica with an innovative four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resource management.

Our misión: Prepare leaders with ethical values to contribute to sustainable development and construct a prosperous and just society.

Where is EARTH? EARTH-La Flor Liberia, Guanacaste EARTH University Guácimo, Limón

A global student body 418 from 37 countries 40% female Highly-subsidized model with over 60% on full scholarship 40% female 76% from rural areas

Our educational model 10:1 student/faculty ratio (40 faculty from 19 countries) Faculty as facilitators Integrated and multi-disciplinary Student-centered learning Experiential and participatory

Pillars of our Educational Model Social and environmental responsibility Ethical values Technical and scientific knowledge Holistic educational model Entrepreneurial mindset

EARTH Bananas

Bananas at EARTH Banana plantations were part of property acquired for the University in 1987 Serious environmental challenges Dependency on multinational fruit companies for commercialization Important source of employment in the region EARTH committed to producing a more sustainable product Challenges of a university operating a commercial venture Treatment of workers

Environmental Challenges Contamination with plastics Exposure to pesticides Excessive applications of agri-chemicals Contamination of rivers Weed control

Fields are surrounded by forest 45 feet riparian corridors established on either side of all waterways

Innovations in the field Ground cover prevents erosion Manual weed control with machete has eliminated use of herbicides

Compost production

Plastic Bags Soaked in an organic mixture of hot pepper and garlic Waste bags recycled into corner supports for pallets

Special Guests The banana plantation is a safe and healthy environment for all creatures

No more hauling…banana train

VTH: A Commerical Enterprise A separate entity, VTH, owned by EARTH University was established. Governed by an independent board of directors and operated by a General Manager. Responsible for a variety of commercial endeavors.

Partnership with Whole Foods Started exporting bananas to Whole Foods Market in 2002: 38,400 40 lb. boxes In 2013: 732,111 40 lb. boxes More than 70 annual scholarships provided to secondary school students 2002-2011 scholarship fund $1,104,590

We are proud to be Whole Trade

Partnership with Whole Foods Market Not just about bananas… It’s about creating sustainable wealth, environmental well-being and prosperity in rural communities

A uniquely sweet banana Sustainable and environmentally friendly Rainforest Alliance Certified Achieved 100% on last audit Whole Trade Guarantee Global Gap Carbon Neutral Passion for our people Managers know name of each employee Workers receive fair wages, training, all social benefits

Growing our mission… …one bunch at a time.