GM Crops
Area grown with GM crops
Even though there is no commercial production of transgenic crops in Costa Rica, GM crops are planted in the country for the production of seed for export, and for production of niche export market products. At present, nearly 150 hectares are sown with insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM cotton for the production of seeds for export. Regarding niche export markets, nearly 60 hectares are planted with pink pineapple (Pink glow®).
Trade
International trade of GM crops
The GM cotton seed produced by Costa Rica is exported to the United States. In particular, breeding lines are produced for commercial valuation and seed increases are made. The fiber obtained from these lots is exported to China and Turkey or sent to local cotton bale processors. GM pink pineapple, a niche product, is exported to the United States, Canada and, by exclusive request, to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Hong Kong. About 360 pineapples are exported per month. For more information about the contribution of GM crops from Latin American countries to world trade visit the Trade section.
Are there local developments?
Some examples of local developments
• Herbicide-tolerant rice, developed by the Centro de Investigación en Biología Celular y Molecular de la Universidad de Costa Rica (CIBCM-UCR).
• Fungus-resistant bananas, (resistant to black sigatoka), developed by the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE).