La Dona

Edna Vergara (AKA LA DONA) is a pioneer in pineapple export in Panama with decades of experience in Latin America’s agribusiness sector. In 1977, Edna Vergara began her agricultural journey with one hectare of land and a vision that would change the landscape of Panamanian agriculture forever. Originally a poultry farmer with her husband, Edna began experimenting with several exotic fruits and vegetables on a small tract of land on the outskirts of Panama. Most of the produce was sold at farmer markets and the proceeds were used to keep the operation going. After several seasons, Edna read about a new variety of pineapple that was being exported out of Costa Rica, which was the MD-2. Knowing that the existing varieties of pineapple couldn’t sustain the long ship rides to foreign markets, Edna began lobbying the government of Panama to let her experiment with the MD-2 at her farm. Two years later, she gained the approval and the pineapple export business was born. During the course of the next 25 years, Edna organised and grew the business along with 55 local growers, which would go on to construct the first pineapple export facility in Panama. Edna’s creation would go on to attract multinational companies and spurn a movement that has made Panama one of the top pineapple producers in Central America. In 2007, Edna was the first female recipient of the Panama’s Agriculture Person of the Year. She continues to lead the growth of Panama’s agricultural movement as the president of the National Export Association. Her story has inspired hundreds of local women and farmers to grow more and push Panama to the forefront of agricultural exports while maintaining environmentally friendly methods. Now at LA DONA FRUIT CO. we strive to share her story and her love with the world.