The Economy of Costa Rica
Bananas, Pineapples and Coffee
Farming still earns dollars, with pineapples and bananas exported by large firms, and coffee grown by smallholders.
Traditional exports remain.
Bananas
Costa Rica is a major banana exporter to Europe and the US.
Pineapple
A big export, often from large plantations.
Coffee
Small farms grow quality arabica.
Concerns
Pesticide use, labour conditions and water pollution.
A plantation crate
Pineapples are packed and shipped to European supermarkets.
Ignoring environmental costs of export agriculture
They can be significant.
Key takeaways
- Bananas and pineapples are key exports.
- Coffee is grown by smallholders.
- Labour and environment issues exist.
- Diversification helps.
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