Deal #3811

Land area

Intended size

6 111 ha

Size under contract (leased or purchased area)

[2011, current] 75.0 ha

Size in operation (production)

[current] 75.0 ha

Comment on land area

According to a statement by Dole Lanka, the company "leases less than 75 hectares of land for cultivation" and "has entered into cultivation agreements for approximately 2300 hectares" (http://business-humanrights.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/dole-statement-re-sri-lanka-12-sep-2011.doc). Media reports however have reported Dole Food Company has cleared more than 15,600 acres (~6,313 ha) forest lands in the country for banana cultivation. (http://jdsrilanka.blogspot.com/2011/09/illegal-clearing-of-forests-by-dole.html). 500 acres (~202 ha) of Dole's banana farm in Kandakaduwa was later dismantled. (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/111127/News/nws_17.html) One report states the company has 844ha under production in 2017. It is understood that this is between the company lease and outgrowers.

Intention of investment

[current] Food crops

Comment on intention of investment

Banana plantation

Nature of the deal

Lease

Comment on nature of the deal

Dole Lanka separately leases less than 75 hectares of land for cultivation and sources bananas from an independent grower in Sri Lanka.

Negotiation status

[current] Concluded (Contract signed)

Implementation status

[2011, current] In operation (production)

Comment on implementation status

The company stated that Dole Lanka has closed a contract for the cultivation of the area with Letsgrow Limited.

Contract farming

Yes

Not on leased / purchased (out-grower)

Yes

Not on leased area/farmers/households (out-grower)

[2011-09-12, current] 2300.0 ha

Comment on contract farming

Dole "has entered into cultivation agreements for approximately 2300 hectares" (http://business-humanrights.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/dole-statement-re-sri-lanka-12-sep-2011.doc).