Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who ranks on the Forbes list of the world's 100 most powerful women, has joined the board of directors at biodiversity NGO Rainforest Alliance.

In agriculture, the organization certifies around 15% of the world's traded bananas and 1.86 million acres of cocoa plantations, while it is also involved in the coffee, tea, palm oil, cattle, and fern and cut flower industries.

A Rainforest Alliance release said Bündchen would help shape the vision, strategic plans and policies that guided the non-profit's development and global sustainability efforts.

"I have long admired the work of the Rainforest Alliance and its positive impact on the environment. Its mission aligns with my own long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship," Bündchen said.

"As a Rainforest Alliance board member I look forward to calling upon my experience not only as an international spokesperson but as an entrepreneur and global citizen to support the Rainforest Alliance’s on-the-ground efforts."

The NGO's president Tensie Whelan said the group was delighted to have the world-renowned entrepreneur and environmental activist join the board.

"Along with her acute business acumen, Gisele brings an authentic passion for environmental issues and social innovation. We look forward to working together to expand our current sustainability initiatives and to develop new and creative strategies to tackle social and environmental challenges worldwide," Whelan said.

The NGO recently made headlines in the fruit industry for removing certification from a group of Honduran banana growers who supply Chiquita Brands. A grower representative responded with harsh criticism, claiming his organization's union bargaining decisions were made within the requirements of national labor laws.

www.freshfruitportal.com