4 Sustainable Agriculture Strategies to Boost Costa Rica’s Competitiveness
” Costa Rica’s sustainable agriculture programs have increased small producers’ international market access by over 30% since 2018. ”
Introduction
In a time defined by global agricultural transformation and an urgent call for environmental sustainability in agriculture,
Costa Rica has taken center stage as a model for innovative and equitable rural development. On May 2, 2025, the
World Bank Executive Board approved a bold $120 million loan for the Program for Sustainable and Competitive Agriculture in Costa Rica,
targeting sustainable growth, digital modernization, and increased economic participation for small and medium agricultural producers (PYMPAs),
particularly women and young people. This strategic investment in the country’s agricultural sector is projected to
profoundly strengthen climate resilience, enhance access to international markets, and reinforce the
competitiveness of Costa Rica’s staple crops, livestock, fisheries, and
aquaculture.
In this blog post, we deeply explore four main areas of action shaping sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica. We reveal how
digital modernization, competitive traceability, sustainable production, and
environmental value addition empower PYMPAs and tilt the nation towards a future of climate resilience and
international competitiveness.
If you are a farmer, agribusiness leader, policymaker, or anyone passionate about sustainable agriculture, join us to see how these strategies
can reshape rural communities and promote shared prosperity throughout Costa Rica.
Understanding Sustainable Agriculture in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is globally recognized for its leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship. With a robust
public policy framework—like the Public Policy for the Agricultural Sector 2023-2032—the country is deploying
agricultural development programs that uplift rural livelihoods and make Costa Rica’s agricultural sector
a champion of climate-resilient innovation.
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Approximately 10,500 small and medium producers (PYMPAs) and families will benefit directly from
technical assistance and financing, with positive impacts extending to 31,500 rural residents—including a focus of
30% women and 15% youth. -
30,000 more producers are expected to connect through digital registration platforms for agriculture,
livestock, aquaculture, and fisheries activities.
This comprehensive project, funded by a significant loan from the World Bank, promises to
transform the sector by supporting small producers and fostering sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica.
Let’s break down the four main areas of this innovative operation and see how they are vital to
strengthen competitiveness, enhance climate resilience, and open new doors for Costa Rican
agricultural products in international markets.
Strategy 1: Digital Modernization of the Agricultural Sector
Implementing Advanced Systems for Institutional Efficiency
The first step toward a modern, competitive agricultural sector in Costa Rica involves the
institutional modernization of information management—a move that benefits farmers,
policymakers, and all sector actors.
Why Is Digital Modernization So Critical?
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Data-driven decision-making: Accurate, timely information on agricultural production,
livestock, fishing, and aquaculture activities helps
drive better planning for resources, risk management, and public policy. -
Efficient access to services: A central digital registration system makes it easier
for producers to register, update, and access important agricultural and public services. -
Transparency and traceability: Modern digital platforms ensure the agricultural sector
is equipped for accountability and trust-building.
The Role of Platform Integration
Through digital registration platforms—especially for small and medium producers—the country will:
- Modernize information management infrastructure
- Enable fast, efficient support provision to remote and vulnerable communities
- Enhance technical assistance delivery and documentation for agricultural development programs
Farmonaut’s Large-Scale Farm Management tools empower digital modernization. By providing web and mobile apps for
crop health monitoring and centralized resource tracking, Farmonaut equips
governments, agribusinesses, and producers with up-to-date data and analytics.
This technology ensures that digital traceability in agriculture is not just a buzzword but a tangible,
actionable benefit improving service delivery and sector-wide management.
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Additional value lies in Farmonaut Satellite & Weather Data API,
providing real-time geospatial intelligence for seamless application integration by agricultural institutions. -
For workflow customization, API Developer Docs
makes integrating field data with national databases straightforward.
By 2027, we anticipate 75% of Costa Rican farmers and cooperatives will utilize such digital tools and platforms for
efficient registration, task management, and technical assistance, marking a new era in the country’s agricultural development.
Strategy 2: Building Competitive Agricultural Products with Traceability
Digital Traceability in Agriculture for Market Access
The second pillar of sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica addresses competitiveness by
instituting a traceability system for agricultural products.
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Traceability is about following the path of a product—from seed to sale, or farm to fork. By digitizing records,
Costa Rica’s producers can now register produce and readily obtain certification for
national and international markets. -
Market expansion: With a robust traceability system, Costa Rican products meet
the strict requirements of overseas buyers, especially in demanding markets like Europe and North America. -
Food safety and consumer trust: Certification and transparency fuel trust, giving Costa Rican
crops, aquaculture, and livestock a powerful branding advantage.
How This Supports Small and Medium Producers
- Reduces bureaucratic friction and lowers cost of compliance for export
- Enables quick, affordable certifications (organic, fair trade, sustainability labels)
- Facilitates access to agricultural development programs stipulating traceability for participation
Enabling Technology: Blockchain & Digital Systems
Services like Farmonaut’s Blockchain-Based Traceability
provide producers and exporters tamper-proof documentation, real-time product tracking, and streamlined certification processes.
Integrating such solutions with digital agricultural registration maximizes transparency and enhances
competitive agricultural products.
For instance, QR codes and blockchain records enable international buyers to instantly verify the origin,
farming practices, and sustainability of Costa Rican produce—removing export bottlenecks and elevating trust.
Adding Cold Chain Infrastructure
The National Refrigeration Network is being expanded to connect fishermen and aquaculture producers
in the Central Pacific region to broader markets. This not only preserves quality—vital for
fishery export potential—but also minimizes losses and environmental impact.
Promoting Bio-Inputs Over Agrochemicals
Efforts are underway to replace traditional agrochemicals with safe, eco-friendly bio-inputs.
These biotechnologies are integrated with traceability certifications, increasing both market value and consumer preference for
sustainable agricultural products.
” Over 70% of Costa Rican farmers now use climate-resilient practices, strengthening the nation’s agricultural sustainability. ”
Strategy 3: Sustainable Production and Enhanced Climate Resilience
Promoting Climate Resilient Farming Models
Improving sustainable production at the farm level is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s agricultural policy.
This strategy directly strengthens the climate resilience of farmers and rural communities by:
- Reducing carbon emissions: Adopting low-carbon, nature-based farming approaches minimizes the sector’s climate footprint.
- Diversifying resilient crops: Supporting crop rotation, mixed cropping, and resilient varieties sustains livelihoods during climate shocks.
- Enhancing livestock standards: Improving sanitary, well-being, and management standards boosts both sustainability and international competitiveness.
- Promoting water efficiency: Smart irrigation practices, water-saving technologies, and soil moisture monitoring are increasingly deployed.
What Does This Mean for PYMPAs?
- Lower input costs (less fertilizer, chemical use; more resource efficiency)
- Steadier incomes, even when faced with drought, storms, or pests
- Greater eligibility for sustainability certifications and carbon credit programs
Supporting Tools and Programs
Farmonaut’s Carbon Footprinting empowers producers and agribusinesses to calculate, track, and reduce their
carbon emissions—an essential step towards both compliance and global market access.
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Climate-smart resource allocation tools help keep soil fertile and water use sustainable, even in periods of drought or
heavy rainfall. -
Fleet and Resource Management solutions provided by Farmonaut optimize machinery and logistics.
This reduces unnecessary emissions and costs throughout the food production chain.
The World Bank’s financing triangle—technical assistance, loans, and programmatic support—scales these
best practices faster and deeper, especially within rural and vulnerable communities where
risk is highest.
Role of Digital Advisory Systems
Digital platforms equipped with live weather forecasts, crop monitoring, and AI-based advisory systems allow
farmers to make immediate, informed decisions. Farmonaut’s technology delivers these tools via intuitive
apps, guiding farmers on when to irrigate, fertilize, and harvest—protecting investments and optimizing
productivity.
Aquaculture and Fisheries Development in Costa Rica
Special attention is given to aquaculture and fisheries development Costa Rica: alongside improved registration
and traceability, technical assistance and climate-smart practices boost both sustainability and export readiness.
Strategy 4: Adding Environmental Value via Carbon Markets
Rewarding Producers for Environmental Services
Costa Rica not only leads in sustainable practices but also in recognizing and rewarding environmental contributions.
The fourth area of the new agricultural program incentivizes producers to retain and expand
eco-friendly production models through direct, results-based payments.
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Payments for ecosystem services (PES): Producers whose farming chains—coffee, sugarcane, livestock—
capture carbon or reduce environmental harm receive financial recognition. -
Carbon footprint tracking: Digital tools submit evidence of reduced carbon emissions, making it possible
for even small producers to participate in the international carbon credit trade.
Direct Benefits:
- New sources of farm income—beyond the sale of produce alone
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Promotion of sustainability in communities and markets—Costa Rican products with
certified environmental value command premium prices internationally - Supports the country’s sustainability goals under the Paris Agreement as a climate-positive leader
By leveraging satellite-based monitoring, blockchain verification, and transparent
assessment tools (like those on Farmonaut’s Carbon Footprinting platform), every farm in Costa Rica can measure its
impact, claim incentives, and contribute to global sustainability targets.
Comparative Impact Table: Costa Rica’s Sustainable Agriculture Strategies
Strategy | Description | Estimated Impact on Small Producers | Effect on Climate Resilience | Estimated Increase in Export Potential |
---|---|---|---|---|
Digital Modernization | Implementing a central digital registration system for all agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, & fisheries activities | 30%+ higher access to state services, streamlined technical assistance, better access for women and youth | Improved early warning systems and data-driven risk mitigation increase resilience by up to 20% | Enables scaling and compliance for 30,000+ new local and international producers |
Competitive Traceability | Digital product traceability & certification; expanded refrigeration network; bio-inputs replacing agrochemicals | Improved income by 20%, lower losses post-harvest, simplified export certifications | Reduces environmental risks, enables sustainable labels (+10% resilience) | Direct access to international premium markets; up to 30% higher export value |
Sustainable Production & Resilience | Adoption of low-carbon, water-efficient, climate-smart practices; improved livestock & crop standards | Cut input costs by up to 25%, more stable yields, better eligibility for investing and aid programs | +30% crop and income stability during climate events | Certification opens doors to green and climate-resilient export channels |
Environmental Value Addition | Payments for ecosystem services and carbon capture; digital carbon footprint tracking | New revenue streams, ecosystem service credits, incentivizes sustainable land use | Accelerates adoption of best practices; direct climate change mitigation | Premium market pricing, preferred supplier status in carbon-conscious markets |
How Farmonaut Supports Costa Rica’s Sustainable Agriculture Evolution
Farmonaut provides a suite of forward-thinking technologies essential for every sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica strategy:
- Satellites & AI — Real-time crop health monitoring, soil moisture tracking, and predictive analytics empower both small and large scale producers to optimize resources and anticipate weather challenges.
- Jeevn AI Advisory System — Personalized, actionable farm advice based on satellite and weather data keeps farming resilient and efficient.
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Blockchain Traceability — Verifies the journey of crops and livestock for certification and export compliance.
Discover Traceability Services. -
Carbon Footprinting — Track and reduce emissions with an intuitive online dashboard.
Learn about Carbon Footprinting. -
Fleet, Loan & Insurance Tools — API-ready resource and risk management for agribusinesses,
governments and individual farmers.
Accessible through Android, iOS, web, and API integration, Farmonaut democratizes advanced digital farming so no producer is left behind.
Flexible, affordable subscriptions match any farm size. Government programs and rural cooperatives especially benefit from scalable solutions—easily integrated with national policy implementation.
Discover how Farmonaut’s Carbon Tracking unlocks new carbon markets for your farm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica?
Sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica refers to farming approaches that balance productivity, environmental stewardship, and
social equity—empowering rural communities while preserving biodiversity, water, and soil health. It centers around
climate-resilient models, digital modernization, and certifications for competitive international markets.
How does digital traceability help Costa Rican producers?
Digital traceability gives producers real-time product tracking, streamlined access to certification, and opens
new export opportunities. It increases transparency, reduces fraud, and is essential for selling in premium international markets.
Why is climate resilience important in agriculture?
Climate resilience ensures that agricultural systems can endure extreme weather, minimize losses, and maintain livelihoods.
Practices like crop diversification, water conservation, and relevant technology adoption underpin Costa Rica’s approach.
What role does Farmonaut play in supporting sustainable agriculture?
Farmonaut provides real-time crop health monitoring, carbon footprinting, traceability, and advisory services accessible on web,
Android, and iOS. These solutions empower farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers to maximize productivity, lower emissions,
and achieve compliance with both local and global requirements.
How can small Costa Rican farmers access agricultural financing?
Farmonaut supports digital crop loan and insurance verification—enabling quick, satellite-based assessment for small and
medium producers, and reducing barriers to credit and insurance.
Which crops or sectors are most impacted by these strategies?
Core sectors benefiting include sugarcane, coffee, beef, fisheries, and aquaculture. However, all rural activities—crops,
livestock, and agro-industries—gain from digital modernization, traceability, and environmental incentives.
How do I start using Farmonaut in Costa Rica?
Simply visit the Farmonaut Web App
or download for Android /
iOS for instant access to satellite-driven insights, digital records, and more.
Conclusion: Costa Rica at the Forefront of Sustainable Agriculture
The four sustainable agriculture strategies—digital modernization, enhanced traceability, climate resilience,
and environmental value addition—form a powerful framework positioning Costa Rica as a global leader in
agricultural competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
With ongoing investment, technical support, and the proliferation of accessible, cutting-edge platforms like those provided by
Farmonaut, the country’s small and medium producers are not just surviving—they are thriving,
innovating, and driving sustainable growth in Costa Rica and beyond.
Join us in revolutionizing agriculture—harness the opportunities, grow sustainable, and make Costa Rica’s agricultural sector
the most competitive and resilient in the region.