Pineapple Plantations in Costa Rica: Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts
BY NAMUBAKCosta Rica, known worldwide for its biodiversity and conservation efforts, faces a significant challenge due to the massive growth of pineapple plantations. Driven by international demand, especially from North America and Europe, pineapple monoculture has generated serious environmental, social, and economic impacts. In this blog, we'll explain how pineapple plantations in Costa Rica are putting local ecosystems, human communities, and the country's future sustainability at risk.
Environmental Impacts of Pineapple Plantations in Costa Rica
Pineapple plantations in Costa Rica occupy vast areas that were once home to rich forests and wetlands. These monocultures have resulted in severe soil erosion and the complete loss of local flora and fauna. According to experts like Nicolás Boeglin, a professor at the University of Costa Rica, nothing grows in a pineapple field except the pineapple plant; there are no animals or other plants to be seen, leaving the land so degraded that it is difficult to recover it for other agricultural or natural uses.
Besides, The intensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers during all stages of cultivation not only affects the soil but also contaminates nearby water sources. Chemicals leach into rivers and other water sources, severely impacting the health of local communities and wildlife. Communities along the Atlantic Coast have been documented to rely on government-provided drinking water due to contamination of their natural sources.
Invasion of Protected Areas: A Silent Threat
Pineapple plantations have not only degraded agricultural land, but have also invaded critical protected areas in Costa Rica . Wildlife refuges such as Caño Negro and Barra del Colorado They have seen plantations encroach within their boundaries, destroying unique ecosystems and fragmenting the habitats of endangered species.
For example, Satellite images from 2018 revealed that more than 74% of pineapple plantations within protected areas They lack the appropriate legal authorization . This lack of effective regulation puts at risk not only local biodiversity, but also the ability of these areas to act as natural buffers against climate change, increasing the vulnerability of local communities to extreme events such as floods and fires.
A study by the National University of Costa Rica (UNA) prepared in 2017 found pesticides in three of ten sites sampled in the Caño Negro Refuge.
“The Caño Negro wetland is a conservation area of great natural and social value, located in the lower reaches of the Frío River basin in northern Costa Rica. Its aquatic ecosystems can be considered vulnerable to pollution due to recent land-use changes toward agriculture. In 2011 and 2012, quarterly sampling was conducted at ten sites located in the middle and lower reaches of the Frío River basin, which flow through cultivated areas and subsequently drain into the Caño Negro wetland.”
Monocultures: Green Deserts with a Major Impact on Sustainability
Pineapple monoculture in Costa Rica is a clear example of the “green deserts” that are appearing around the world. These vast areas devoted to a single crop deplete the soil of nutrients, leaving it dependent on synthetic fertilizers to maintain its productivity. Furthermore, the lack of plant diversity increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, leading to even greater use of chemicals.
This agricultural model is unsustainable in the long term. The land loses its productivity, and the environmental and social costs become unsustainable. In Brazil, For example , diseases such as Asian mildew in soybean crops have been observed to become resistant to chemical treatments, forcing farmers to use stronger pesticides that further degrade the soil and local biodiversity.
In Costa Rica
Pineapple monoculture in Costa Rica It is not limited to the production of this fruit, but rather exemplifies an industrial agricultural model that, while it may offer short-term economic benefits, has serious long-term consequences. This type of agriculture is characterized by the continuous repetition of a single crop over large areas, which generates significant impacts on the country's biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Pineapple monoculture also reduces the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change. By eliminating biodiversity, these plantations become more vulnerable to drought, pests, and extreme weather conditions, requiring the use of more aggressive and environmentally harmful pesticides.
Impact on Local Communities
The communities who live near pineapple plantations in Costa Rica are paying a high price due to this farming model. The majority of workers on these plantations are undocumented immigrants, leaving them vulnerable to precarious working conditions, low wages, and lack of access to basic labor rights. Furthermore, women in particular suffer from harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Water and air pollution from agrochemicals has led to an increase in illnesses in nearby communities, including congenital disabilities and respiratory illnesses. Despite these problems, many people are afraid to speak out due to potential retaliation from pineapple companies, creating an environment of silence and fear.
Costa Rica invests more than $9 million annually in treating ailments, disabilities, and lost productivity associated with high pesticide use.
Alarming data by the UN
- Parrita is the canton where the most pesticide poisonings are reported.
- Banana, coffee and pineapple are the Main crops linked to pesticide poisoning
- Between 2010 and 2020 58 deaths from pesticide poisoning were reported
- Costa Rica must invest more than 5 billion colones annually ($9 million USD) in health care and disability treatments related to pesticide use.
- The groups at greatest risk of exposure are those who work in agriculture, people who live near plantations, pregnant women, and children.
A study also warns that 93% of the pesticides used in Costa Rica can be considered highly hazardous.
In Costa Rica There are 80 active ingredients (molecules) of pesticides associated with acute effects on humans , and only 34 of them are permitted for use in the European Union. There are 58 active ingredients associated with cancer in use in the country, of which 42 are banned in the European Union. Costa Rica uses between four and eight times more pesticides per hectare than other countries in America
Loss of Food and Cultural Diversity
Pineapple monoculture in Costa Rica has led to a Decreased biological and cultural diversity in the affected regions . This agricultural model favors economies of scale, which has resulted in the disappearance of traditional family farms and the loss of diverse crops that once enriched the local diet. This transformation has not only altered the landscape but has also eroded traditional agricultural practices and dietary diversity in local communities.
Effect of monocultures on wildlife
The impact of pineapple plantations in Costa Rica not only affects soil and water sources, but also has devastating consequences for local wildlife. Habitat fragmentation and intensive pesticide use are wreaking havoc on the species that inhabit these areas. For example, animals like howler monkeys, which depend on leaves as their primary food source, are showing alarming anomalies in regions where agriculture and deforestation have significantly disrupted the rainforest.
Animals have been observed being born with physical deformities. Unfortunately, most of these animals with deformities have a very short life expectancy, only a few months.
In howler monkeys, patches of yellow fur have been documented, a condition believed to be related to excessive consumption of sulfur present in pesticides used on the leaves they eat. These abnormalities are especially common in howler monkeys living near pineapple and banana plantations , underscoring the harmful impact of agricultural chemicals on wildlife.
Impact on Climate Change and Ecosystems
Although pineapple monoculture can increase production in the short term, it relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to maintain soil fertility and control pests. However, these practices have negative long-term effects. Chemical fertilizers and intensive irrigation can cause runoff that pollutes rivers and streams, affecting both biodiversity and the health of nearby communities.
Pineapple monoculture also reduces the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change. By eliminating biodiversity, these plantations become more vulnerable to drought, pests, and extreme weather conditions, requiring the use of more aggressive and environmentally harmful pesticides.
It is crucial that we assess our perspective to consider all the costs involved in order to stop the destruction of our rainforests and the chemical pollution that flows into our rivers and enters the water cycle.
More and more people are beginning to question whether pineapple farming, as currently practiced, is compatible with a country that prides itself on its commitment to environmental protection.
Pineapple Plantations and the Costa Rican Economy
Costa Rica, with a population of less than 5 million, has a notable reputation in the world of agricultural products: It is the world's largest producer and exporter of pineapple . More than 47 percent of its pineapple exports, worth nearly $1 billion annually, come from the country. Furthermore, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, nearly 8 percent of fruit imports to the United States come from Costa Rica.
In addition to pineapples, the list of fresh produce exported by the country includes bananas, cassava, watermelon, chayote, carrots, cabbage, beets, among others.
Expansion of Pineapple Cultivation in Costa Rica
Pineapple cultivation has been present in Costa Rica since the late 1970s, but not It was not until 2001 that it became a fundamental pillar for the country's economy. This happened thanks to the introduction of a new variety of pineapple, known as Golden pineapple or MD-2, by the Del Monte multinational . This variety quickly gained popularity in the European and American markets, catapulting Costa Rican pineapple to international success.
With the rise of this activity, the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture provided technical support to producing companies.
In that context, the use of bromacil, a highly toxic chemical, was recommended as a herbicide . Today, This chemical is classified by the National University of Costa Rica , in its Central American Pesticide Manual, as an agent with “acute toxicity” for humans. Although the importation of bromacil was banned in 2017, it is still occasionally detected in toxicological analyses conducted in the northern part of the country.
Success in international markets fueled exponential growth in exports to the United States and Europe, which in turn led to a significant expansion of the cultivated area in Costa Rica. In 1995, only about 5,500 hectares were dedicated to pineapple cultivation; today, that figure has exceeded 60,000 hectares, demonstrating the rapid growth of this industry.
Sustainable Alternatives to Pineapple Monoculture in Costa Rica
Pineapple monoculture in Costa Rica represents a significant threat to biodiversity , human health and the economic sustainability of the country. We need to rethink this agricultural model and promote more sustainable practices that protect ecosystems and improve the living conditions of local communities.
Agroforestry: Integration of Crops and Forests
Agroforestry is a agricultural practice It combines tree cultivation with agricultural production on the same plot of land. Instead of converting large areas of forest into pineapple monocultures, agroforestry allows farmers to maintain biodiversity by integrating trees that provide shade, improve soil fertility, and provide habitats for local wildlife.
Benefits of Agroforestry:
- Biodiversity conservation: Agroforestry systems promote the coexistence of different plant and animal species, which helps maintain healthy and balanced ecosystems.
- Improving soil quality: Trees in these systems help prevent erosion, improve water retention, and enrich the soil with essential nutrients.
- Income diversification: In addition to main crops such as pineapple, farmers can earn additional income from forest products such as fruits, timber, and herbal medicines.
Regenerative Agriculture: Restoring Soil Health
Regenerative agriculture is a methodology that focuses on revitalizing agricultural ecosystems through practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve the water cycle. This form of agriculture opposes the intensive use of chemicals and is based on techniques such as crop rotation, soil mulching, and composting.
Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture:
- Soil recovery: By focusing on land regeneration, this practice reverses the soil degradation caused by monocultures, making the land more fertile and productive.
- Chemical Reduction: By reducing or eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, regenerative agriculture protects human and environmental health.
- Climate resilience: Healthy soils store more carbon, which helps mitigate climate change and make agricultural systems more resilient to extreme weather events.
Support and Education Policies for Diversification
In addition to the agricultural practices mentioned above, It is crucial to implement public policies that support agricultural diversification and educate farmers in sustainable methods. Promoting the creation of diversified cropping areas, where different species coexist and support each other, is a key strategy for reducing dependence on monocultures.
Action Proposals:
- Incentives for diversification: Governments can offer subsidies or tax incentives to farmers who adopt diversified and sustainable farming practices.
- Training programs: It is essential to provide education and training programs so that farmers can learn about sustainable agricultural techniques and how to effectively implement them on their land.
- Protection of natural areas: Raise the protection status of certain areas, such as wildlife refuges, to national parks to prevent the expansion of monoculture plantations in ecologically sensitive areas.
A future that can be green
Adopting sustainable alternatives to pineapple monoculture is critical to ensuring a future in which Costa Rican agriculture can thrive without compromising the health of the environment or the well-being of local communities. Agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and diversification support policies represent viable paths toward more balanced and sustainable agricultural production.
Reference Articles that highlight the same issue
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28074363
https://growjungles.com/es/environmental-impacts-of-pineapple-plantations