From farm to fork: Mainstreaming biodiversity into food value chains

State of implementation/results

• The project works together with all marketable sustainability standards to improve biodiversity protection in the cultivation of tropical fruits, especially bananas and pineapples. We cooperated with Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade and Global G.A.P. to raise awareness among consumers or in the application of instruments developed in the project. Together with Global G.A.P. and Lidl, the project's implementation partner Global Nature Fund developed the first biodiversity-focused standard for the conventional cultivation of fruit and vegetables. The Biodiversity Add-On Standard is a separate module in the Global G.A.P. standard system. Fruit and vegetable producers in Europe can currently obtain certification. Piloting of the add-on standard for tropical fruits was realised for the first time in pineapple cultivation in Costa Rica.
• In 2025, the “Women Transforming Productive Landscapes” ideas competition was launched. A total of 16 proposals were selected (eight each from CRI and DOM) for projects focusing on the circular economy, bio-inputs, the reduction of agrochemicals, and restoration. The selected proposals are currently being formalized, initially through the signing of letters of intent. In addition, as part of the “Bio-Impulsa” accelerator program, 30 biofactories (15 in CRI and 15 in DOM) were selected and validated with the steering groups for an initial assessment. Organizations capable of developing pilot projects for technology packages have been included in the list of bio-factories supported by the program. Up to 12 bio-factories (six per country) are to be selected for the accelerator program based on the results of the assessment.
• Four international initiatives and platforms relevant to the sector, which bring together representatives of producers, the government, and NGOs, have added the topic of biodiversity-friendly banana and pineapple production to their agendas.
• Eight research and educational institutions in CRI offer the training modules on biodiversity-friendly production developed as part of the project. A total of 416 people from 77 organizations were trained in the modules developed as part of the project.
• With the aim of analyzing new suitable financing mechanisms, a preliminary study of existing providers of biodiversity credits and platforms for financing biodiversity has been launched.
• In CRI, 85% of the National Bio-Inputs Strategy has been drafted and is expected to be completed in April 2026. The first National Forum on Bio-Inputs in DOM took place in November 2025. It promotes more sustainable, organic, and competitive agriculture in the country. The second forum is scheduled for March 2026.
• Since November 2025, the project has supported the participation of 70 Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) officials from CRI in the virtual diploma course on bio-inputs, conducted by IICA and CATIE.

Latest Update:
04/2026

Further links

• Publication: Recommendations for effective criteria for biodiversity protection in food standards and sourcing requirements of food companies in the banana and pineapple sector
• Publication: Investitionen in die Biologische Vielfalt im Bananen- und Ananasanbau - Ein Katalog für Unternehmen, die in Biologische Korridore investieren wollen (GER)
• Publication: Empfehlungen für wirksame Kriterien zum Schutz der biologischen Vielfalt in Lebensmittelstandards und Beschaffungsanforderungen von Lebensmittelunternehmen im Bananen- und und Ananassektor (GER)