A supplier to the largest exporter of Chilean fruit has had 100 hectares of vineyards successfully audited to the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Standard.

One of the farms that provides table grapes to Dole Chile, about an hour's drive from the capital Santiago, has underscored its social, environmental and community responsibility by achieving Rainforest Alliance certification. 

Dole Food Company announced today that Paine-based Huelquen Farm, which grows 100 hectares of grapes under the Dole label as well as private labels, was successfully audited to the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) standard.

Huelquen Farm mixes traditional varieties like Crimson Seedless, Flame Seedless, Thompson Seedless and Red Globe with new varieties of Great Green, Moon Balls and Timco.

The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization with over 30 years' experience in the development and promotion of sustainable standards for agriculture. The standard is aimed to conserve biodiversity, natural resources and promote the well-being of workers, their families and their communities.

Last month the NGO announced it would be merging with another group with a similar philosophy, Utz.

“This certification that affirms how our farming practices and farm management have evolved is a great achievement for us,” said Dole Diversified president Francisco Chacon.

"We want to do our part as a good farmer and employer to make the world a better place.

"That commitment resonates with our workers and our consumers, and is also important for our partner retail customers."

Dole began its Chilean operations in 1982, and is the largest exporter of Chilean fruit.

The company exports deciduous fruits, which include grapes, apples, pears, blueberries, Cherries, stonefruit and kiwifruit from approximately 1,800 owned acres, 2,600 leased acres and 14,000 contracted acres in Chile, 2,000 contracted acres in Argentina, and 1,800 contracted acres in Peru.

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