Achieving high standards of sustainable development is the major challenge that small-scale pineapple producers face when exporting and taking advantage of the trade benefits they recently achieved in China and in other captive markets, such as Europe and the United States.
The management of natural resources, the need to implement recycling plans, and the treatment of liquid residues and wastewater are just some of the challenges still pending, according to the Latin American Center and Sustainable Development (Clacds) of the Incae.
The analysis shows that there have been improvements in sustainability processes. However, these improvements have been performed by large productions, exposing the weaknesses of the small productions, which have not carried out changes that do not require large investments, but behavioral modifications.
"The deficiencies in the small farms function as an alarm system, as they accentuate the weak flanks. The large farms are more exposed to external verification (certifications) and this forces them to perform good agricultural practices. The small ones are the ones that require more accompaniment," said Victor Umaña, director of the Incae Clacds.
International certifications, which are a requirement when entering the international market, show the differences between farms.
While all large farms are GAPTM certified (one of the most frequent requirements to enter international markets), only 70% of the small farms have this certification.
However, the challenges in sustainability can not overshadow what this sector has achieved from the economic point of view.
"We know that there are many areas in which we need to improve, but nobody can ignore the impact of this crop as a generator of welfare and progress, as it has been characterized by sustained growth in exports and is an engine for the country's economy," said Abel Chaves, the president of the National Chamber of Producers and Exporters of Pineapple.
Costa Rica has been the leading exporter of this fresh fruit to the world for over two decades, surpassing other major competitors such as Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.
"All the markets know that Costa Rica's pineapple is the best in the world because of its flavor. Strengthening sustainability aspects is important, but the most urgent thing is to increase the production area as many farmers are reducing the number of hectares to start growing other crops," said Juan Rafael Lizano, president of the National Chamber of Agriculture and Agro-industry.
The Government has been developing the Pineapple Sustainability Initiative since 2011, which aims to solve pest management and seek good agricultural practices.
"This initiative is considered lukewarm by environmentalists and an unacceptable interference from the government by producers. The important thing, however, is not to be discouraged and to continue working on the search for solutions," said Luis Felipe Arauz, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.
Source: larepublica.net