with changes in corporate management and new patterns of global competition, according to J. Gary Taylor and Patricia Scharlin. Chiquita partnered with the Rainforest Alliance, an environmental group dedicated to preserving the rainforest, and made major reforms in the way they plant and protect their bananas. The changes focused on the use of pesticides but also affected corporate culture. In 2000, Chiquita adopted a new code of conduct that included Social Accountability International's SA8000 labor standard. Also in 2000, Chiquita achieved Rainforest Alliance certification for environmentally friendly practices on 100% of its farms. In 2001, Wal-Mart named Chiquita as the "Environmental Supplier of the Year". Chiquita has more recently been involved in the hazardous use of pesticides: The Danish media and research centre Danwatch, who specialise in investigative journalism, published a report on pesticide use on banana plantations in Ecuador, some of which supply Chiquita. They found aerial spraying of pesticides without warnings to workers, and the handling of pesticides without proper protections or equipment. Among the pesticides sprayed is Paraquat, a highly hazardous pesticide forbidden in Switzerland and the EU. When approached for comment, Chiquita would neither confirm nor deny the allegations, but reportedly began an internal investigation, the results of which have not been made public. See also Grand Nain Paramilitarism in Colombia Union of Banana Exporting Countries References Further reading Mike Gallagher & Cameron McWhirter, "Chiquita Secrets Revealed," Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 May 1998. "The Business and Human Rights Management Report—Chiquita Brands International", Ethical Corporate Magazine, Nov. 2004. "The Importance of Corporate Responsibility", Economist Intelligence Unit, January 2005. "Chiquita Brands: A Turnaround That Is Here to Stay", Winslow Environmental News, January 2004. "The banana giant that found its gentle side", Financial Times, December 2002 '"Chiquita Wins Raves for Outstanding Sustainability Reporting", Greenbiz.com, 3 April 2003 Media External links United Fruit Historical Society Food and drink companies established in 1871 Food manufacturers of the United States Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange Companies based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Agriculture companies of the United States Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001 Multinational food companies United Fruit Company Fruit production Banana production 2014 mergers and acquisitions Agriculture companies established in the 19th century