Costa Rica News — Banana Plantation

Plans are in place to begin research on ways to reduce the use of chemicals in the production of bananas, according to the National Banana Corporation (CORBANA).

Until recently, the industry consensus was that powerful pesticides and herbicides were the only adequate defenders against the parasitic worms, Black Sigatoka fungus, and insects that eat away at the banana trees. Costa Rican banana growers spend millions on these chemicals each year to protect their livelihood.    

CORBANA, a public-private association, has invested in new research into less chemical intensive methods of pest reduction. The research, which will explore alternatives such as natural fungus that fights off parasitic worms, will benefit the banana industry by offering a value-added product attractive to the European market. Europeans, who consume more than 50 percent of Costa Rica’s banana exports, will likely be willing to pay more for bananas produced using less chemicals.

CORBANA invested more than a million dollars on two new adjoined research facilities called the Biological Control Center and the Banana Molecular Biology Center.

Speaking of the efforts to reduce chemical use on banana plantations, CORBANA’s research director, Jorge Sandoval stated, “It’s a new line of work and we’re 100% committed to it”.  

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on November 26th, 2007