Plants

Organic farmers can see the results of their hard work, not only in the satisfaction of those who consume their products, but also in the surrounding environment. While organic farming regulation does not specify what practices should be used to contribute to the management and maintenance of the natural environment, other rules and voluntary practices followed by farmers are having a positive follow-on effect in doing so.

Ecopinas for example has established buffer zones around these the pineapple growing areas, as well from around creeks and streams and have planted local tree species. Among these is the Mountain Almond which is a key habitat for the highly endangered Green Parrot

Getting the balance right is not always easy. Rosny “For organic pineapple cultivation, the challenge is always to prevent and overcome plagues while simultaneously establishing an ecological balance between the production and the natural environment. This balance is quite blurry and difficult to understand, especially because it has to do with many interconnected elements, for example, the climate, the cultivation of pineapple, and other flora and fauna, cultural practices, and more. Understanding and achieving production without disrupting this balance is a great challenge”.

Furthermore, Ecopinas is actively promoting environmental awareness. Rosny “we have initiated a campaign to recuperate the forests in the area. During the annual World Environment Day celebrations many employees, farm owners, school children, students and locals from the surrounding communities come together to plant trees and learn about our ideas and plans regarding conservation.  The workers hope that this event will plant “a seed” in the minds of the children so that they grow up to be more environmentally conscious. The initiative has created a domino effect that is snowballing and being picked up by surrounding communities. Some other farm owners have also decided to protect forests on their farms. One owner, Don Carlos González, has decided to protect over 70 ha of forest on his property!”