The Central American country of Costa Rica increased its pineapple production area during the last twelve months from 10,000 to 40,000 HA. European supermarket connections offer tropical fruit at low prices. This price makes decent production circumstances impossible. 'Plusminus', a television program of the German television station ZDF visited the pineapple region in Costa Rica, where the population is no longer allowed to drink mains water as this water contains too many residues of plant protection means.
These kind of circumstances are unknown to Migros and Coop. They declare, just as many other German retailers who were questioned, they insist that the suppliers act in accordance with the local laws regarding protection means, wages and working hours. They, however, also hide behind certifications of third parties. Also their laboratories should measure the quantity of plant protection means on fruit. The results of the research, however, are never published.
With about 52 kg of plant protection means per hectare Costa Rica, it is the country with the highest use of plant protection means in the world. This is according to research at the 'Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Toxicas' (IRET) of the national university of Costa Rica. The monocultures are sensitive to vermin and plant diseases, because of the lack of natural enemies. Therefore chemicals are intensively used by growers and agricultural workers.
The program of 'Plusminus' in which the pineapple production in Costa Rica is being discussed, may be seen here: