Costa Rica is currently one of the countries that uses large amounts of chemicals in its agricultural production, even using chemicals that are banned in other countries since they pose serious health risks.

In 2010 the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) Phytosanitary Service reported that 14.000.000 million kilograms of active agrochemical ingredients were used in the country, which is equivalent to a 3 kilogram consumption per person per year.

Approximately 400 different chemicals are currently used in the country.

El País.cr spoke with Fernando Ramírez, member of the National University’s (UNA) Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (Regional Institute for Toxic Substance Studies - IRET), who commented on the alarming situation Costa Rica faces in this regard.

EP: Which agrochemicals are most commonly used in Costa Rica?

FR: One of the most commonly used chemicals is Macozeb. It is widely used on banana plants on a weekly basis. This product produces long-term toxic effects and chronic diseases.

Organophosphates and fungicides, such as paraquat and endosulfan, are still commonly used in Costa Rica, although many countries have banned their use due to their health and environmental effects. These extremely toxic chemicals are easily carried by water, wind and currents, and can accumulate in human and animal fatty tissue. They can also be transmitted through breast milk.

EP: What are some specific examples of pollution caused by these chemicals?

FR: For example, Bromacil, a pesticide used on pineapple plants, causes water pollution. Researchers have found that after applying this product to plantations in the Atlantic region for 2 to 3 years, it has led to groundwater contamination, which is used as drinking water. Due to the damage caused to water sources in Cairo, just to name one town in the area, tanker trucks must transport drinking water.
Studies conducted by IRET have shown that every 3 months, when heavy rains fall in the region most nematicides, which are used 3 to 4 times per year on several crops such as banana plants, are dragged superficially all the way to the Tortuguero channels, which are deeply affected.

EP: What is the reason for the lack of control it the use of agrochemicals in Costa Rica?

FR: The use of so many chemicals is due to the lack of regulation; there are many laws that protect pesticide producer and marketing companies in order to increase their profits.

This issue has caused great economic and political pressures; the government must do something now. We cannot take a chance on this matter; just to mention one case, Methomyl causes 50 deaths per year and it is the leading cause of poisoning in the country.

EP: What information sources can farmers consult for more information on this topic and to improve their use of chemicals?

FR: There is a wealth of knowledge and information that has been produced by universities but many times it is not accessible to farmers.

Farmers may consult universities and other schools, such as the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (National Training Institute – INA), through their outreach programs, as well as attending free courses in agroecological farming practices and organic fertilizers (how to replace and prepare them and their repellent and regulating effects).

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