News
Pineapples: Luxury fruit, at what price?
Costa Rica: responsible pineapple initiative is much needed
29 Jul 2011
The Costa Rican government recently launched the National Platform for Responsible
Pineapple Production and Trade following criticism of the
industry's environmental and social impacts. It is hoped that this
will provide a space for meaningful dialogue between plantation
owners and trade unions.
Documentary
Pineapple production in Costa Rica has experienced a boom in
recent years but this has had serious consequences for people and
the environment in many areas of the country. Consumers
International investigated these issues in the Pineapples: Luxury Fruit
at What Price? documentary, finding that poor
labour relations were a major contributing factor to the problems
facing the industry.
In bringing together all actors in the supply chain, the new
Platform's self-professed aim is to facilitate a multi-stakeholder
dialogue around the common purpose of defining and achieving a
responsible model for pineapple production in Costa Rica. The
emphasis is currently on environmental aspects, but will be
expanded to take social conditions into account.
Launch
The Platform's launch event was attended by global retailers,
growers, exporters, certifying bodies and trade unions. In a move
particularly welcomed by the labour movement and civil society, the
President of CANAPEP, the producers association,
acknowledged the need to include trade unions in the process.
Labour rights
Justin Macmullan, CI Head of Campaigns, said: "Despite the
initial focus on environmental issues, CI welcomes the new
Platform, and is especially heartened by the inclusion of unions in
this dialogue. CI will continue to support participation of trade
unions in the platform and call for greater prominence to labour
rights issues on the agenda."