Video

Interview with Luis Carlos Gonzalez

N&M: Converting 700 hectares to organic is quite an ambitious undertaking. What motivated you to do so?
Luis Carlos: The conversion process has taken 19 years and has been quite exciting. A lot of trial and error has been involved as we tried to apply organic principles and techniques on a large scale. It was not easy, but with the pineapple industry in Costa Rica having such a bad reputation of being accused of causing erosion, deforestation and the destruction of wildlife habitat, we wanted to demonstrate that pineapple can be grown successfully in a sustainable manner. 

N&M: We understand that the soil conditions and the climate in this part of Costa Rica are indeed in favor of organic agriculture.  What are your most serious challenges?
Luis Carlos:  Our greatest challenge is to make sure that our fields contain sufficient drainage ditches to make sure that any excess water can run off easily.  This is particularly important as we experience more freak weather conditions due to climate change. 

N&M: Corsicana is the not only the first, but so far the only pineapple farm which is certified fair-trade.  How did you achieve that?
Luis Carlos: Actually, we have always been very committed to our employees, working with the people from El Angel they have taught us to provide them with meaningful work and an above-average salary, as well as considering them as individuals, each with a right to be heard and attended.  We believe that our employees are our most important assets and have experimented with different models to engage and involve them.  We provide people with opportunities to further themselves personally and professionally wherever we can, because we see the results: a committed workforce.  In the context of developing our organic project we heard about fair trade certification and decided to apply for it.  Complying with fair trade standards was not difficult for us, but the added benefit was enormous.  It allowed us to pay our people a premium as well as develop a plan to make a day care center and equip the two class rooms with computers. 

N&M: In addition to growing organic pineapple in a responsible manner Corsicana offers tourists to visit their farm.
Luis Carlos: Yes, these tours have become increasingly popular.  Visitors have an opportunity to learn about the history of pineapple and see for themselves how we cultivate it in a sustainable manner.  For many it is the first time to taste ripe pineapple.  We also let them know how to select the best pineapple in their local store.
For us these tours are important because they provide our workers with valuable feedback about the work they are doing and they meet the people who consume our fruit.  Consumers learn about the work involved in organic pineapple production and they appreciate what we are trying to achieve here.  Last year we had over 20,000 people visit our farm.  We trust that they purchase our fruit wherever they are and that they tell their friends about it too.