Integrated vegetable production greenhouses innovation At the start of the project, production of vegetables in Bolivia was still very primitive, based on old traditional practices, that did not incorporate any innovation for decades. The cultivation took place on open fields, exposed to damage by animals/insects and climatic conditions. Vegetables were therefore treated with large quantities of agro toxics, and during the heavy rain season (sometimes from October to March) no production was possible. Overall, productivity was very low and product quality poor.To improve this situation Geraldo van den Broek Ltd. from Holambra in Brazil, and Hacienda Agricola y Ganadera del Senor S.R.L. from Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia, formed the joint venture Quinta Manantial to implement a modern vegetable production farm with a greenhouse, as well as a packing station, including cold store. They produce top quality fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and several varieties of lettuce according to GlobalGAP and HACCP guidelines.The project was the first in Bolivia to produce vegetables in a greenhouse year round on a commercial scale, and is a model for other farmers.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The project has introduced food safety, hygiene and manufacturing criteria (GAP) to the Bolivian horticulture.The greenhouse is equipped with fire-extinguishers, fire-fighting equipment, emergency exits and a safe electrical system. An automated fumigation system has been developed. Further, there is hardly any need for fumigation because of the way of semi-organic production starting with improving the soil structure.Emergency drills are held regularly. Some of the staff members receive a First Aid training and medical assistance is available for all employees and their families, as is medical insurance.A daycare is available for the employees' children.Employees with children under 16 years of age, that attend a school, will receive a monthly "family bag", with all kinds of food.Employees are not allowed to operate any machines, unless they have specific permission to do so.It is the partners' objective to conduct their business activities in an environmentally friendly way. Attention to biological cultivation guidelines is therefore a key management issue. In the greenhouse the water is filtered and re-used.Employees receive salaries at least 30% above the minimum salary level. Good working conditions and benefits are offered. Employees used to chew coca leaves all day. Nowadays, they receive a meal in the morning and for lunch and have stopped using the drug.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe project has created 60 (FTE) direct jobs. This will grow to 120 FTE, two years later.The wages paid are at least 30% above the legal minimum wage. The joint venture staff enjoys legal social benefits which include health insurance, a daycare and free meals.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe company has trained all 60 employees and in addition 172 farmers, governmental agronomists, students and researchers in semi-organic vegetable growing. The farmers in Vallegrande have copied the way of production and intensive soil preparation.The employees followed an intensive training programme to adhere to the standards of GlobalGAP and HACCP. Applying these standards in Bolivia in the greenhouses growing sector was completely new.•	Chain effectsLocal farmers and other horticultural companies have been trained in developing compost, improving soil structure and vegetable growing in and outside greenhouses, semi-organic farming and vegetable production. 53 people are involved with supplying raw material for substrate.•	EnvironmentThe company produces high quality vegetables in a semi-organic way, improving the soil structure and water holding capacity. This means there is less need of water for the production of the vegetables and less need for fumigation as the plants are less vulnerable for pests. Soil disinfection is done organically as well, leaving no impact for the environment. The company is certified according to the local GAP norm of Senasag. It was the first company in Bolivia certified.•	Position of womenThe company has employed 35 women out of 60 employees. 50% of the 10 managers are female. This is particularly important, because in the region the main employer is the natural gas industry, that only offers jobs to men.•	Impact on food safety Quinta Manantial supplies high quality, clean and safe vegetables to the market, having a direct impact on food safety. Further, the project could lead to a public discussion about the excessive pesticide use in horticulture, and the threats to public health. Further, the company provides an excellent example how to improve soil fertility in the long run.•	Impact on waterPositive, as the use of water to produce the same amount of vegetables is decreased substantially as compared to traditional vegetable production in Bolivia. To establish a greenhouse with packing facility and cold store, for the production and processing of ecologic fresh vegetables.