Best Management Practices for Agricultural Non-Point Sources of Pollution	Report Contents Report in Word Format
	Caribbean Environment Programme Technical Report #41 1998	All CEP Technical Reports

APPENDIX D Better Bananas Certification Program

3.6. MANAGING THE CARDBOARD STORAGE AREA………………………………………………….……...19

4. SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE ………20
5. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ………………………………………………………………...21
6. PREVAILING SOCIAL AND WORK CONDITIONS…………………………………………………………..22

APPENDICES …………………………………………………………………………………..…........................................…..24

Global population growth has resulted in a steady increase in the demand for food and raw materials originating in natural ecosystems. In tile process of meeting that growing demand, conventional agricultural systems have devastated millions of hectares of natural forests, replacing them with extensive monocultures. At the same time, large quantities of synthetic chemicals have been used to combat pests and fertilize those crops, in the constant effort to raise levels of production. Such simplification of natural ecosystems and accumulation of synthetic chemicals has resulted in serious socio-environmental imbalances which threaten both future productivity and the current well being of human populations.

In reaction to the socio-environmental deterioration caused by conventional agricultural production, and inspired by the growing awareness in the markets of the United States, Canada and Europe, where consumers have begun to demand more sustainable systems of agricultural production, the Fundaci6n Ambio (a Costa Rican non-profit N.G.O.) and the Rainforest Alliance (a non-profit N.G.O. based in New York) initiated a program of socioenvironmental agricultural cerdfication in 1991, the objective of which is to modify traditional agricultural practices and decrease the negative socioenvironmental impact of agricultural activity. To reach this goal, the program awards an ecological seal of approval to those farms that adhere to a series of standards, which permits the promotion of their produce as having been grown and harvested under conditions of limited environmental impact and in a more just and dignified social situation.

With this document we present the Better Bananas certification program's general standards for socio-environmental agricultural production. These standards are the product of collaboration between farmers, conservation groups, scientists and government representatives. The standards in the document will probably change in the future in response to environmental advances on the farms, new technological discoveries and market demand.

Comply with national legislation corresponding to natural resource management, agrochemical use, solid and liquid waste management, labor conditions and human rights in all activities related to agricultural production systems.

Criteria:

1. Comply with local legislation.

2. Comply with accords and treaties related to socio-enviromnental aspects of production that the country is a signatory of.

3. Acquire legal operating permits.

4. Compliance with certification standards is obligatory, nevertheless, in those aspects where the local legislation is more stringent than the certification program's standards, farms should comply with what is stipulated by the law.

 

Conserve and recuperate forested areas in a manner that ensures the socio-environmental benefits they offer.

Criteria:

1. Do not establish new plantations in areas where the vegetal cover consists of primary forest, secondary forest or any type of forestry management.

2. Prohibit cutting trees within the jurisdiction of the farm.

3. Use native species for reforestation programs in order to improve wildlife habitat. In cases where it is determined that native species constitute a serious limitation to crop development or in which there is a lack of propagative material, it is permissible to use exotic species that have adapted to the zone.

4. Conserve vegetation and reforest along the banks of rivers and streams adjacent to or flowing through the plantation in a minimum area of 15 meters, measured horizontally from the river bank to the edge of the plantation, when the terrain is flat, and 50 meters where the terrain is steep (30% incline or greater).

5. Maintain and unite forest fragments by planting trees to establish biological corridors.

6. Conserve and reforest the edges of public roads that border or cross the plantation in an area with a minimum width of 10 meters, measured horizontally from the edge of the road to the border of the plantation.

7. Conserve and reforest areas with a radius of 100 meters around permanent springs.

8. Implement programs for the reforestation and recuperation of natural forests in those areas that, according to studies for potential land use (see appendix), are inappropriate for agricultural activity.

9. Plant, in established farms, vegetational barriers 30 meters thick around housing nuclei, health centers, schools and any other infrastructure where there is human activity, and which fall under the jurisdiction of the farm.

10. Do not use wood for construction of platforms and other infrastructure that was cut illegally in wild areas.

11. Prohibit the extraction of wild flora and fauna from areas within the jurisdiction of the farm..

2.2. WATER RESOURCES

Protect water resources by adopting measures of control in agricultural, industrial and domestic activities.

Criteria:

1. Maintain periodic monitoring of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of potable and waste water in order to ensure the quality of the resource. The points and frequency of sampling should be defined by the certification program's technical team (see appendix 2).

2. Implement the use of clean technologies that are appropriate for the tropics in the treatment of waste water produced by all activities on the farm.

3. Do not mi;x agrochemicals nor clean equipment in drainage ditches, rivers, lakes or running water.

4. Do not use natural wetlands for water treatment purposes.

5. Do not alter (by construction of canals) the natural hydrological system.

6. Design irrigation systems in a manner that balances the crop's water deficit with the hydrological requirements and precipitation of the ecosystem.

2.3 SOILS

Promote a system of soil conservation that ensures that resources' functions of support and nutrition over the short, medium and long term.

Criteria:

1. Complete and present systematic annual analyses of physical and chemical conditions (see appendix 3).

2 Develop a soil conservation program for your farm that takes into consideration the topography of the terrain and the agricultural practices that accompany the crop.

3. Do not use products for disinfecting soil that have high residual power.

4. Restrict chop and bum land clearing practices (see appendix 4.).

5. When preparing land for the crop, avoid irreversible alterations of soil structure and possible risk of erosion.

2.4. AIR

Avoid the production of solid particles, dust, smoke, gases, odors, noise and other atmospheric pollution.

Criteria:

1. Undertake periodic measurements that ensure air quality in terms of odors, noise, gases and smoke.

2. Use technologies and techniques that prevent or mitigate air pollution.

 

Establish plantations at those sites most appropriate for agriculture, where the desired yields can be obtained while minimizing socio-environmental impacts.

 

Criteria:

1. Complete a diagnosis of the activity's socio-environmental characteristics (see appendix 5).

2. Undertake a study of land use potential before establishing new plantations (see Appendix 1).

3. Plan measures to correct the terrain's limiting factors (determined by the study of land use potential).

4. Plan crop location and measures for soil conservation based on a topographic evaluation of the terrain.

 

3.2 FERTILIZATION PROGRAMS

Base fertilization program on the conservation and -increased productivity of the land, while protecting human health and the environment.

Criteria:

1. Determine fertilization programs and use of compensation according to current soil studies, the climactic characteristics of the region and foliage analysis of the plantation.

2. Apply in a localized and fractional manner.

3. Promote the adequate use of organic fertilizers.

 

3.3 CONTROLING PEST POPULATIONS

Base control of pest populations on the principles of Integrated Pest Management in such a way that reduces the environmental impact caused by pesticides, improves the biodiversity of the plantation and increases the farm's productivity.

 

Criteria:

1. Use physical practices for sanitary control of the crop: (pruning, thinning, clipping, windbreaks).

2. Implement methods of biological and ethological (use of pheromones) control of pest populations, after having completed studies that determine the efficiency of natural enemies.

3. Implement a program to establish a ground cover in order to reduce the use of herbicides.

4. Make use of monitoring systems and evaluation of pests to determine the economic thresholds of damage for the application of chemical products.

5. Apply chemical products only when pest populations exceed the previously established application thresholds, to avoid the preventive use of pesticides.

 

3.4 HANDLING AGROCHEMICALS

Decrease agrochemical use through the utilization of less toxic products in order to reduce damage to human health and the environment.

Criteria:

3.4.1. General considerations

1. Only use chemical products that are registered for use in the United States, Canada and Europe.

2. Restrict and prohibit the use of chemical products as specified by the norms of the certification program (see Appendix 6).

3. Restrict the use of products listed under category I (extremely toxic).

4. Allow pesticides to be handled only by men between the ages of 18 and 60.

5. Maintain up to date files on the characteristics of the products being used, such as toxicological and environmental information, and treatment in case of intoxication (labels).

6. Maintain up to date files on application equipment and protective gear.

7. All products should have original labels in the local language.

8. All people who come in contact with agrochernicals should make use of protective gear, shower and laundry areas (see Appendix 7).

9. Establish protocols for all operations, especially those that involve the handling of agrochernicals, monitoring the environment and human health. Familiarize all personnel with those protocols.

10. Promote the use of recyclable, reusable and biodegradable containers.

3.4.2 Transport of Agrochemicals

Criteria:

Transport to the farm

1. Demand that suppliers and drivers comply with the following security standards in the handling and transport of agrochemicals.

- Only transport agrochemicals in the rear part of the vehicle.

- Protect and secure the cargo for transport and check it several times during the trip.

- Transport agrochemicals in their original containers and inspect them before loading and unloading.

- Carry copies of safety information for every agrochernical being transported.

- Place warning signs on vehicle indicating the type of cargo being transported.

- Carry an insurance policy that covers civil responsibility.

Locate products according to their function, biocide action, toxicity and chemical formula.

- Observe safety measures when loading and unloading.

- Load and unload in areas set up for that purpose.

- Take safety measures in case of spills or accidents.

3.4.3. Storage of agrochemicals

Warehouse location

1. The storage area should be located the following minimum distances:

60 meters from buildings (residential area, administration buildings, schools, etc.)

120 meters from rivers and lakes

60 meters from canals

200 meters from wells and springs

50 meters from fuel storage tanks

100 meters from public roads

2. Take advantage of natural ventilation by allowing permanent circulation of air.

3. The storage area's location should facilitate the process of loading and unloading.

4. Protect the storage area from rain and flooding.

Characteristics with which the storage area should comply

1. It should be used to store agrochemicals exclusively. In cases when fertilizers and pesticides are stored in the same building, they should be kept completely separate.

2. Permit only authorized personnel to enter.

3. Secure the building against robbery and vandalism.

4. The storeroom must have warning signs communicating the danger to human health and the environment represented by the products in storage that should be legible from a distance of 20 meters and comprehensible by illiterate people.

5. Permanently close any drains in the storeroom floor.

6. There should be a minimum of 3 meters between the floor and the ceiling, with solid walls no higher than I meter, and the remaining wall space enclosed with bars, chain-link fencing, or another material that permits constant circulation of air.

7. It should have excellent ventilation, illumination and remain dry.

8. The area dedicated to ventilation and illumination should be the equivalent of 2096 of the total area of the floor and be distributed in equal percentages and in an alternating form.

9. Entrance(s) to the storeroom should include a retaining doorstep to prevent liquids from escaping.

10. The floor should be impermeable and have a minimum incline of 1%.

11. The design should permit, in case of an accident, that the superficial water be confined to a specific area for collection and treatment.

12. Limits of storage areas and passage ways should be delineated on the floor.

13. Passage ways should have a minimum width of 80 centimeters.

14. An empty area of 30 centimeters should be maintained between the walls and storage space.

15. The storeroom should be equipped with stands and shelves -- well labeled and built of an impermeable and non-absorbent material -- so that products aren't in contact with the floor.

16. Store containers holding liquids on lower shelves.

17. Use stands and shelves with enough capacity to hold all the agrochemicals used in the operations.

18. Separate pesticides according to their biocide action, toxicity, and chemical formula.

19. Follow the handling instructions on the labels.

20. Mark on the wall the maximum height for storage (3/4 of the total height).

21. Keep shelves placed more than one meter away from lights or other sources of heat.

22. Provide one type A-B-C portable fire extinguisher for every 125 square meters.

23. Insure that there is always access to the building from both sides for fire fighters.

24. Place an emergency shower and an eye wash in areas used to store liquid products and in the areas for mixing and decanting.

25. There should be a separate storage area for empty containers which have been rinsed (3 times) and are awaiting disposal or recycling.

26. There should not be an office in the storeroom, and in case there is, it should be completely segregated and kept well ventilated.

 

Operating Guidelines for Storage Area

1. Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in the agrochemical storeroom.

2. Keep original labels on containers. If a container is damaged and its contents must be transferred to another container, it should be sealed and the original label should be pasted on it, or a new label should be made with all the original information.

3. The storeroom should have a first aid kit with carefully ordered and identified medicines.

4. Keep only the amount of agrochemicals needed during the time of application.

5. Maintain a clean and orderly storage site in such a way that:

- the labels of all products are visible

- problems such as leaks and deterioration of containers are easily detectable.

- doorways are unobstructed and fire fighting equipment is easily accessible.

6. Decanting and transferring should be done using appropriate equipment, guaranteeing proper safety.

7. There should be absorbent material (sand or sawdust) and protective gear for cleaning up spills inside the storeroom.

8. There should be a manual of procedures and the necessary equipment for dealing with accidents.

9. Establish emergency plans and familiarize all personnel with them.

10. Keep an inventory of the exact quantity of agrochemicals, their characteristics and safety measures for their use.

11. Use products before their expiration date.

12. Establish a system for exact location of agrochernicals within the storage area.

13. Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers.

3.4.4. Application of agrochemicals

1. Prohibit eating, drinking or smoking during the application of agrochemicals.

2. Apply agrochernicals according to the specifications listed on the product's label.

3. When applying agrochernicals, avoid exposing workers and neighbors to those chemicals.

4. Comply with the intervals of restricted entry stipulated on the label of every pesticide in the areas of application (see appendix 9).

5. Locate signs and pictographs prohibiting entrance to the area during and after application of pesticides.

6. Maintain a buffer zone 10 meters around the area of pesticide application.

7. Demarcate the limits for application of agrochernicals around sources of water, housing, packing zones and schools.

8. Use mechanical and automatic methods of application of post-harvest products in the packing process in a way that avoids worker contact with chemicals and reduces the dosage applied.

3.4.5. Crop Dusting

1. Inform community organizations a minimum of 72 hours before application about the possible risks and the principal cautions that should be taken during crop dusting.

2. Comply with the specifications for use, transport and storage of pesticides described in the sections 3.4.1., 3.4.2., 3.4.3., and 3.4.4. of this manual.

3. Comply with the specifications for fuel storage described in section 3.5.1. of this manual.

3.4.6. Showers and changing areas

1. This area should be used by all personnel coming in contact with agrochemicals.

2. It should include two areas, entrance and exit, which are connected via the showers.

3. There should be a treatment system for residue.

3.4.7. Uniform cleaning zones

1. Establish an area exclusively for washing protective gear.

2. Establish directives for the transport of clothing contaminated with agrochemicals from the shower area to the laundry area.

3. Wash all uniforms used by workers who apply agrochemicals in the laundry area.

4. Eliminate uniforms in poor condition.

5. Demand that workers in the laundry area also wear protective gear.

6. Establish an area for washing boots.

 

3.4.8. Maintenance of application and protective equipment

1. Inspect and repair that equipment previous to every application.

2. Prohibit the use of equipment in poor condition.

3. Wash and dry equipment according to the specifications in appendix 10.

4. Designate a specific area for washing application equipment.

5. Protective gear should be worn when providing maintenance for application equipment.

Maintain safety measures in the storage area for fuel and lubricants and in the workshops that reduce the risk of accidents and problems with environmental contamination.

3.5.1. Fuel and lubricant storage

Criteria:

1. Establish a program for handling fuel and lubricants that includes:

• Construction of a retaining wall around the area where fuel storage tanks are located to contain any type of spill. The height of that barrier should be proportional to the volume of the storage tanks.
• The floor of the area where fuel tanks are located should be made of cement or a completely impermeable material.
• There should be an absorbent material (sawdust or sand) and equipment for the clean up and treatment of spills in areas where fuel and lubricants are handled.

2. Prohibit the use of ovens, fires or machinery that creates sparks in areas of fuel and lubricant storage.

3. Keep dangerous products and materials in fuel cans inside a storeroom or other conveniently isolated locations.

4. Store only quantities necessary for maintaining continuity of operations.

5. Maintain strict security measures against robbery, vandalism, etc.

6. Insure that there is always access to the storage area from both sides for fire fighters.

7. Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in the fuel and lubricant storage areas.

8. Mark areas with signs indicating the type of substances being stored and the minimum safety measures necessary.

3.5.2. Equipment maintenance and storage area

1. The floor and walls should be made of cement or an impermeable and incombustible material.

2. Work areas and passage ways should be delineated on the floor.

3. There should be one portable A-B-C Fire extinguisher for every 125 square meters.

4. Insure that there is always access to the area from both sides for fire fighters.

5. There should be an absorbent material (sawdust or sand) and equipment for clean up and treatment of spills.

6. Deposit materials impregnated with oil, grease or highly inflammable substances, as well as residues of dangerous materials and products, in incombustible recipients that can be hermetically sealed, which should be distributed around the work area in adequate quantities.

7. Comply with the rules established by the local electrical code.

8. Make the use of protective gear mandatory during operation of machinery (welders, saws, drills, etc.).

9. Keep the area clean and orderly in a way that decreases the probability of accidents.

10 The area should be secured against robbery and vandalism.

11. There should be a first aid kit in the area (see Appendix 8).

Design the cardboard storage area according to safety standards that decrease the probability of accidents and damage to the health of workers.

Criteria:

1. It should be built of an impermeable and incombustible material.

2. The minimum height of the storeroom should be three meters from floor to ceiling.

3. Delineate storage areas and passage ways on the floor.

4. Passage ways should have a minimum width of 80 centimeters.

5. An empty area of 30 centimeters should be maintained between the walls and storage space.

6. Mark on the wall the maximum height for stacking.

7. Take advantage of natural ventilation by allowing permanent circulation of air.

8. Dedicate an equivalent of 20% of the total area of the floor to ventilation and illumination.

9. Do not exceed the maximum noise levels permitted by local legislation.

10. Comply with the requirements established by the local electrical code.

11. Provide one type A-B-C portable fire extinguisher for every 125 square meters.

12. Place clearly visible signs explaining safety measures inside and outside the storeroom.

13. Insure that there is always access to the building from both sides for fire fighters.

14. Create a separate space for assembling boxes that provides a minimum work area of 2 square meters for each person.

Establish an integral plan for solid and liquid waste management based on reduction, reuse, recycling and ecologically adequate disposal.

Criteria:

1. Design and carry out an integral plan -- approved by the technical team of the certification program - for handling, separation and treatment of solid and liquid waste generated by all agricultural, industrial and domestic activity within the company's jurisdiction.

2. Prohibit burning or disposal of solid waste in open pits, rivers or streams.

3. Before creating a landfill or an incinerator, technical studies must be completed to determine the size, optimal location and mitigating measures to minimize the socio-environmental impact during the phases of construction and operation.

4. Establish a strategy, approved by the certification program's technical team, for handling empty agrochemical containers.

Implement a permanent educational process for workers and their families with the goal of helping them accept values, clarify concepts, and develop the abilities and attitudes necessary for establishing a harmonious coexistence between human beings, their culture and the environment.

Criteria:

1. The training program should include the themes described in the Agricultural Certification Program's Environmental Education Manual.

2. Involve all personnel in the environmental education program a minimum of once a year.

3. Train all pesticide handlers before each cycle of application.

4. There should be specific educational plans catering to the different interlocutors of the program: (managers, supervisors, field workers, etc.)

5. Organize educational sessions for the families that live on the farm.

 

6. PREVAILING SOCIAL AND WORK CONDITIONS

Improve the quality of life for workers and their families

Criteria:

6.1. Neighboring Populations

1. Locate new plantations more than 1 kilometer away from human settlements.

2. Respect the natural resources that benefit neighboring populations (don't pollute rivers or subterranean waters, don't damage wildlife when crop dusting).

3. Respect the culture of neighboring populations and farm employees.

 

6.2. Living Quarters of Farm Employees.

1. Worker camps and houses should comply with the minimum health requirements in treatment of drinking water, waste water (see Appendix 2.) and solid waste.

 

6.3. Occupational Health.

1. Implement occupational health policies approved by authorities and the technical team of the certification program.

2. Provide procedural manuals for the prevention of and responses to accidents.

3. All workers who apply pesticides should undergo colinesterase blood protein tests previous to exposure to organophosphorus and carbametes before each cycle of application.

4. Don't permit people who have handicaps or problems with drug addiction to apply agrochemicals (see appendix 11).

5. Supervise the work environment and provide advice to personnel about all factors that can affect health.

6. Ensure hygiene of sanitary installations in the work place and housing area.

7. Maintain adequate equipment and accessories for protection of workers.

8. Insure that all work areas are equipped with lavatories for both sexes and pissoirs that are supplied with sufficient water and toilet paper.

9. There should be at least one lavatory for every 20 male workers and one for

every 15 female workers when the total number of workers is less than 100.

When there are more than 100 workers, install an additional toilet for every 28

workers, and at least one pissoir for every twenty.

10. All lavatories and pissoirs should fill the following requirements:

- The walls separating toilets should be raised at least 30 centimeters off of the floor to permit the washing of floors.

- The floors and walls should be continuous, smooth and impermeable. Floors should be washed at least once a day.

- Disinfection, deodorization, ventilation, lighting and the slopes of floors should meet program's conditions.

- In cases where there is a sewage system, toilets should be connected to it, otherwise they should empty into septic tanks or some form of treatment system.

11 Establish a program of decorating in packing areas, warehouses, shower areas, housing areas, recreational areas and garbage disposal areas.

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Tables, Figures, Acronyms | SECTION 1. | SECTION 2. | SECTION 3. | SECTION 4. | SECTION 5. | SECTION 6. | SECTION 7. | GLOSSARY | REFERENCES CITED | APPENDIX A | APPENDIX B | APPENDIX C | APPENDIX D