Dole releases 2022 sustainability report

Dole plc released its first sustainability report since the 2021 merger of Total Produce plc and Dole Food Co. Building on its historical achievements, this report sets out the organization’s refreshed sustainability framework and offers a new set of environmental, social and governance goals through 2030.

The Dole Way, Dole’s sustainability framework, focuses on robust governance and three core pillars — For Nature, For People and For Food — covering environmental, ethical and social and nutrition related issues. These three pillars incorporate key areas identified as being most material to the impact of its business’ operations.

For Nature: By committing to the Science Based Target Initiative, Dole plc places climate action at the forefront of its priorities along with water stewardship, biodiversity, waste management and packaging reduction and innovation.
For People: Directly employing 38.500 people globally while partnering with third-party growers worldwide, Dole is committed to being an employer of choice, supporting local communities and protecting human rights across its supply chains.
For Food: Dole is committing to promoting healthy nutrition and improving access to fresh produce through partnerships and donations.

“Dole has built market-leading positions across a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetable segments by incorporating sustainability into their growth models,” said Rory Byrne, Dole plc CEO. “As our climate is changing, we are focused on identifying the related risks, adapting to the effects on our operations and minimizing our own impacts. We also recognize and relish the special role we can play in improving people’s lives and the contribution Dole can make to promoting good health and wellbeing.”

The report also lays the foundation for the promotion of regenerative farming practices across Dole’s own operations as well as on associated farms which will support the business’ ambitious climate goals.