COSTA RICAN BANANA WORKER RIDES HIS BIKE THROUGH ABONDONED PLANTATION, 2003-02-12 (photo)

Costa Rican banana worker rides his bike at sunset through banana plantations which are being abondoned by the Standard Fuit Company due to the strong floods last December in Valle La Estrella in the Carribean region of Costa Rica, February 12, 2003. According to the Standard Fruit Company, the floods affected 10,000 hectacres of plants, of which 3,000 hectacres are beyond recovery, which could result in 15% decrease in production and export from these lands. Hundred of families were left without work due to the closing of these banana plantations. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate PICTURE TAKEN 12FEB03 JCU