School puts Whole Foods at head of class

Dec 11, 2003 12:00 PM, from staff and wire reports

Whole Foods Market, the worldÕs largest natural and organic supermarket chain, has been named exclusive seller in Southern California for bananas grown on the campus of EARTH University in Costa Rica. Beginning in December 2003, bananas from sustainable plantations of the international agribusiness school will be available at Whole Foods MarketÕs 19 stores throughout Southern California, including 17 stores in the greater Los Angeles area.

Founded in 1989 in Costa RicaÕs Limon province, EARTH University conducts practical research into sustainable agricultural practices. The universityÕs hands-on curriculum focuses on creative, economically viable uses for the natural resources of the humid tropics.

EARTH University currently ships 20 tons of sustainable bananas each week to the United States and Europe, with 100 percent of US imports going to Whole Foods Markets.