San Diego - Representatives of two Northwest natural food retailers made a recent trip to Mexico to learn more about growing practices for organic bananas, and to see firsthand the work that GROW (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers) is doing in the growing communities. 

"Our field trip to Colima was an exceptional experience," says Joe Hardiman of PCC Natural Markets based in Seattle.  "We were able to meet the skilled harvesters and packers of GROW bananas, as well as witness the positive impact our contributions have made improving their lives and providing resources for their communities." 

Organics Unlimited's president, Mayra Velazquez de Leon, was impressed with the interest shown by the retailers and wholesalers.  "The Northwest has long been an important sales area for us because of the overall interest in organic produce in that part of the country,"says Velazquez.  "Through the efforts of our Northwest retail and wholesale customers, we have been able to expand the production and funding for GROW bananas in the past three years.  We are grateful to such companies as Organically Grown Company, Charlie’s Produce, PCC, New Seasons Markets and Whole Foods.  It's the support of the entire distribution chain that makes a success of a social responsibility program like GROW."

Visitors to the growing area of Colima inspected the fields and packing facilities for bananas to gain a better understanding of the procedures used by Organics Unlimited in protecting quality.  They also toured the communities, homes and schools of GROW beneficiaries under the guidance of Project Amigo who administers many of the educational programs that have been recipients of GROW funds. 

Chris Harris of New Seasons Markets in Portland, OR, summarized his experience as, amazing and educational.  "After seeing how clean and efficient the farm we visited is, it's no wonder Organics Unlimited produces the highest quality fruit around.  And the work that Project Amigo is doing with funding from the GROW program is worthwhile and important.  It is having a lasting impact on the rural communities of Colima," said Harris. 

Members of the team that traveled to Mexico with Organics Unlimited were chosen through a promotion earlier this year.  The trip was given to the retailer or retailers who sold the most GROW bananas in a limited period of time.  They were also accompanied by representatives from Organically Grown Companies who sells GROW bananas to both retailers.  Contest winners continued their trip with four days in Puerto Vallarta following their trip to the banana plantations.

GROW is a program of Organics Unlimited, a San Diego-based distributor of organic tropical fruits from Mexico and South America. GROW bananas are available exclusively from Organics Unlimited. For more information on Organics Unlimited and GROW, visit their website at www.organicsunlimited.com.