Products and Areas of Production

A majority of DOLE frozen food products are sourced in the United States.  Raisins, prunes and dates are sourced in California.  Tropical fruit is primarily sourced from the Philippines or Thailand.

There are approximately 1,600 productive acres of Company-owned farms in the U.S., primarily located in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Independent Growers

In addition to the Company-owned farms, DOLE frozen food products are sourced from approximately 100 independent growers, the majority of whom are also located in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

DOLE raisins, prunes and dates are grown and packed to Dole’s specification and sourced from co-packers located in California. In addition to the Dole specifications, these packing operations and products must also comply with all appropriate state and federal regulations.

Environmental Practices

Environmental practices are designed to comply with all applicable environmental laws, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s risk management program and other federal, state and local laws. The Company’s facilities comply with the food safety standards of the American Institute of Baking (AIB), Food Processing Association (FPA) and Silliker, Inc., a leading international network of accredited food testing and consulting laboratories related to food safety standards and quality practices. A fully trained first responder team has safety, first aid, evacuation and emergency procedures in place.

The wastewater management is a full-circle land application system.

The pest and chemical usage control program includes:

• Tracking weather conditions for peak insect infestation periods
• Using "softer" chemicals, which are less harmful to the environment
• Testing leaf samples to determine the nutritional needs of the trees in the field

Peach pits are recycled and used on the roadways in the field to reduce airborne particulate matter.

Labor Conditions

Training

Training programs are conducted to prevent risks that may originate from job-related accidents or illnesses. Training specialists and field supervisors lead safety talks covering areas such as agricultural safety, picking, pruning and ladder safety. There are ongoing programs related to the prevention of injury and illness. In addition to technical training, job-specific training is conducted.

The Company has an extensive new hire orientation program to integrate new hires into operations.

Social Benefits

In addition to the legally mandated benefits (including Social Security, unemployment, state disability insurance and worker compensation), leaves of absence, group health, dental and vision insurance plans, bonuses, retirement plans and employee assistance programs are offered.

Community Programs

Dole Packaged Foods contributes to the funding of approximately 200 local organizations involved in areas such as nutrition, health and wellness, community-based charity programs and fitness events. Many of our employees and their families also participate in these programs.