Bananas
Bananas are a major agricultural export for Costa Rica and a
key sector for jobs. But bananas are the most pesticide intensive
crop in the world. The banana industry uses over 400 different
combinations of agrochemicals. These pesticides create widespread
environmental degradation. Many of these pesticides are banned
in North America.
The
use of pesticides in Costa Rica during the last decade reached
the level about eight times the estimated world average and more
than twice the Central American average used in the Central American
region.
In 1987, banana cultivation consumed 35% of the insecticides
imported into the country. On average, the cost of combating the
pests represents 35% of the total costs of commercial banana production.
Steps being taken
But the climate is changing. As of Spring 2000, about 30 percent
of banana production in Costa Rica has been certified Eco-Ok.
A program of the Rainforest Alliance, companies that maintain
standards that are both friendly to the environment and to its
workers are given credit for it in the market place.
Rainforest
Eco-Ok
Banana
certification: Chiquita Brands
