Thought to be a native plant of tropical Asia, the banana (platano, banano) is beleived to be first introduced into the Caribbean and eventually made its way to Central America including Costa Rica sometime after the Spanish invasion. Historically, bananas have played a major role in developing the Carribean and Central America. Many of the countries that grow bananas became know as ¨Banana Republics¨ due to the fact that their economies relied so heavily of the production of bananas for export. In CR, bananas still play a significant role in the success of the economy but is now supplemented with such industries as microchips, ecotourism, coffee and other manufacturing companies. As a whole these industries have allowed CR to find success and improved the way of life for Costa Ricans while also aiding in developement.
Bananas are not considered to be the safest line of work. Due to the very heavy use of pesticides, many workers have become ill in the past. Though working towards improvement of the safety for workers, there is still much that needs to be done in order to move the banana industry towards being more efficient.
The banana industry is mostly dominated by a few large corporations. Dole, Chiquita, Fresh Del Monte, and United Fruit Co. all have a large say in how the industry is run and the practices that are used in growing the bananas. Banana exports have always been high and expanding for CR and seems like that trand will continue with thousands of hectares of bananas being planted every year.
Things I hope to be able to understand after more research and visits to banana plantations include, the process of banana production, the work conditions of banana growers and how they can be improved, whether it is possible for the banana industry to be sustainable considering the high use of pesticides, and finally is the banana industry with the growing demand, able to not hinder the preservation of rainforests in CR and other banana producing countries as plantations will need even more land to plant and harvest.
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Paul,
The pictures you've added are great. It's evident you're having fun and learning a lot too.
It's interesting to learn that after all my years drinking coffee, I do not make it properly. Even more, I prefer my coffee room temperature and several hours old. When you get home you can get up early to prepare a pot of coffee so Mom and I can enjoy it the way it's intended!
As for the banana production, it's my understanding the bananas are harvested before they are ripe and sprayed with a "chemical" or something similar to maintain the ripening process until the bananas reach the market. I've often wondered what's all over the banana when we peel it. I'll be curious to know more about how they are grown, harvested and transported to market.
I'm sure you're aware Chiquita is headquartered in Cincinnati. Chicuita is a publicly traded company and I believe Carl Lindner still owns a great many of the outstanding shares. You will recall he also owns or owned Great American Insurance Company, United Dairy Farmers (UDF) and the Cincinnati Reds. If I'm not mistaken much of his fortune was made in the banana industry.
So you're off to the countryside for the weekend. I hope you have great fun. Take lots of pictures! I look forward to the tales of your adventure when you return.
Meanwhile, Mom and I are enjoying the holiday weekend and working around the yard. I will give you the results of the Indy 500 on Sunday night or Monday.
As for other news and events, Spurs lead the Lakers one game to none. Game two is tonight. Previously I said the Pens started their series, but they actually start tomorrow night against the Red Wings. In baseball, the hapless Reds continue to struggle. Even Harang is getting beat regularly although Adam Dunn has been very hot lately. Also, Griffey hit his first home run in about a month putting him at 598 total.
So continue enjoying your learning, traveling and adventures. It sounds like great fun!
Love,
Dad
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