Pesticides in coffee plantation on the brink of phase-out in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is about to take a stance to glyphosphate in order to boost the sustainable production of a coffee plantation. Costa Rican authorities are conscious of the chemical as it is considered one of the most dangerous products applied in the plantation industry; in fact, it is enlisted as a highly hazardous pesticide by the Pesticide Action Networks, a recognized company worldwide dedicated to providing this kind of statistics. Another chemical in the bull’s eye is endusolfan. This product is widely used in the coffee plantations. Endusolfan is in the process of being phased out by many producers. The aforementioned pesticides are on point of becoming illegal in the Central American region. They are considered detrimental by the Regional Institute of Toxic Substances Studies of the National University. The measure wouldn’t consist in the immediate elimination of these herbicides in the industry; the first step would be reducing the use, and then the definite deselection.

 

The plan is thought to be spread all over the Central American region, especially in the countries which have shown interest in the sustainable production of coffee, fruits, and tubers.
 

To come to an agreement, some workshops are being held at San Jose’s Hotel Bougainvillea. The workshops center on other choices to use in coffee crops. So far, toxic pesticides have been implemented by many farmers and companies since they state that the herbicides have demonstrated to be effective in all senses. These chemical products haven’t been ruled out of use yet since the government is still seeking to hit upon other alternatives to boost a sustainable economy system.
 

However, some laboratory experiments have given good results until now, and the utilization of glyphosphate and endusolfan are likely to have a dark future. In addition, the plan is thought to be totally financed by the United Nations Environment Program.
 

Phasing out the pesticides is the solution. According to an important Costa Rican organization, the mentioned herbicides turn out to be terrible for both human’s health and the preservation of the environment; although they protect the coffee crops from insects and bugs. Employees are prone to experience the side effects of glyphosphate and endusolfan due to constant exposure.
 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is looking to apply these measures for pineapple production also, therefore, there will be more workshops to approach the utilization of pesticides in the country.