Uncovering Illicit Activities
In a recent development, Costa Rica’s phytosanitary authorities have exposed five farms in Pital, San Carlos, engaging in the illegal cultivation of pink pineapple. Fresh Del Monte, the primary cultivator of this patented variety, has denounced this unauthorized use of the fruit for commercial gain.
Fresh Del Monte: The Exclusive Cultivator
Due to its substantial $20 million investment over 17 years in research and development of the genetically modified variety, Fresh Del Monte holds exclusive rights for the production and marketing of the pink pineapple for the next two decades. This exclusivity protects the company’s hefty investment and the patent on this unique pineapple variant.
State Phytosanitary Service: Enforcing Compliance
Acting upon these illegal activities, the State Phytosanitary Service initiated an operation to eradicate the illicitly grown crops. While three of the five identified farms cooperated, two remained unyielding, leading to legal proceedings for breaching regulations governing the cultivation of living modified organisms.
The National Chamber of Pineapple Exporters and Producers: Seeking Transparency
The illicit cultivation has sparked concern within the National Chamber of Pineapple Exporters and Producers. The chamber is advocating for the public disclosure of the infringing farms’ identities and has threatened to revoke their memberships, if applicable.
