Even though many Costa Ricans oppose GMOs, “a staggering three out of four Ticos say they’re not sure what GMOs are,” writes Lindsay Fendt in the Tico Times. To combat this issue of ignorance, Fendt breaks down the basic concepts such as what GMOs are, how they are grown and regulated in Costa Rica, and the recently proposed bill to ban GMOs from the country.
What GMOs are being produced in Costa Rica?
[The Agriculture and Livestock Ministry] approved Monsanto’s first project in Costa Rica in 1991. The company began growing genetically modified soybeans and cotton, but only to create seed for export. To date, none of the GMOs produced in Costa Rica are licensed for consumption.As of January, Costa Rica had 443.1 hectares of genetically modified crops. Cotton plantations made up the majority, with 394.3 hectares, followed by soybeans with 44.6 hectares. A single 3.2-hectare pineapple plantation and a 1-hectare banana plantation also are located in Costa Rica.
Read the full, original story here: “What you need to know about GMOs in Costa Rica”
