Banana production in Costa Rica experienced one of its most challenging years, with an estimated 20% decline nationwide. Olman Vargas, Marketing and Projects Manager at Varcli Pinares, said that the company limited the decline to about 10% by using a predictive pest system that combines agro-climatic monitoring, aerial treatments, and drones.
"The model helps us predict favorable conditions for the emergence of diseases like sigatoka and act precisely, lowering costs and collateral damage," Vargas stated.
© Varcli Pinares
Phytosanitary control faces new challenges. The list of available molecules for pest management is shrinking, which raises production costs. Additionally, producers say the costs associated with international market certifications are often not included in the final price.
Costa Rica maintains annual export contracts, unlike Ecuador, which depends on the spot market. "The country has historically prioritized contractual stability. Next year, we expect the price of a box will increase to $10-11. However, lower productivity and rising costs will offset most of this," Vargas stated.
© Varcli Pinares
Varcli Pinares primarily targets the United States, trading directly with Wal-Mart. "The North American market provides more stability and fewer restrictions than Europe, where certification, residue, and organic production standards are stricter. Europe continues to promote organic products, but without a price advantage to offset lower yields. That's why we choose to focus on America," he said.
Varcli Pinares has developed a dry-packing system that reduces water use by up to 90% compared to traditional methods. "All the water used is cleaned and returned to the channels in optimal conditions. In addition, the plant runs entirely on solar energy and has 100 hectares of audited forest that allows it to operate as carbon negative, capturing more than twice the carbon it emits," he said.
© Varcli Pinares
"We have cut herbicide use to 5% and improved fertilization. Our model aims to balance productivity with environmental responsibility," Vargas stated.
"We plan to expand our management model to other farms across the country, promoting technological and responsible practices that will boost the international competitiveness of Costa Rican bananas," he added.
For more information:
Olman Vargas
Varcli Pinares
Costa Rica
Tel: +506 8894 8670
Email: [email protected]
https://www.bananavarcli.com/
