By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Retail giant Walmart is significantly deepening its investment in Costa Rica’s agricultural sector, championing a wave of innovation aimed at empowering small and medium-sized producers. Through its flagship “Tierra Fértil” (Fertile Land) program, the company is deploying capital and technology to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness across the national farming landscape.
The initiative operates on a “Shared Value” model, creating a symbiotic relationship between the corporation and local farmers. By providing a stable and direct market for their produce, Walmart not only secures a consistent supply of high-quality fresh goods for its stores but also gives producers the financial security needed to invest in their operations. This strategic partnership is transforming subsistence farmers into sustainable agro-businesses.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape shaping the future of farming in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The true challenge for agricultural innovation in Costa Rica lies at the intersection of intellectual property protection and agile regulatory frameworks. Securing patents for new biotechnologies or software is crucial, but this investment is only viable if the government provides clear, efficient pathways for testing and approving these new technologies. Without a harmonized legal strategy, our nation’s agricultural potential remains bottlenecked by bureaucracy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary correctly identifies the critical nexus where policy meets progress. A legal framework that simultaneously protects intellectual creation while fast-tracking its approval is not just an administrative ideal, but the essential engine for converting Costa Rica’s agricultural potential into tangible reality. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective.
A cornerstone of the program is the direct investment in modern agricultural infrastructure, technology that would otherwise be out of reach for many individual producers. The adoption of advanced systems like greenhouses, hydroponics, and retractable-roof structures is a game-changer, enabling farmers to mitigate the increasing risks associated with climate change, ensure year-round production, and substantially increase yields.
This technological infusion is steering the national sector towards a model of intelligent agriculture. By optimizing the use of essential resources such as water and soil, these modern cultivation techniques also promote a significant reduction in the reliance on chemical inputs. The result is a more resilient food system that delivers healthier products to consumers while minimizing environmental impact.
The program’s philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating economic growth with environmental stewardship and social well-being.
Agricultural innovation is key to sustainability. Through our Tierra Fértil program, we promote regenerative agriculture initiatives that combine productivity, innovation, care for the environment, and for people.
Katherine Jiménez, SME Program at Walmart Central America
Beyond hardware and infrastructure, Tierra Fértil provides an invaluable layer of hands-on technical support. A dedicated team of agronomists works directly with farmers, offering personalized advice on everything from crop planning and soil management to diversification and adapting to adverse weather conditions. This continuous mentorship is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the new technologies.
To further bridge the knowledge gap, the program leverages digital tools. The Tierra Fértil mobile application serves as a vital hub, providing farmers with access to training modules, advance climate information, performance metrics, and a direct line of communication with the technical support team. The initiative also fosters a circular economy by encouraging the creation of bio-inputs from fruit and vegetable waste, simultaneously cutting costs and reducing chemical loads.
The comprehensive approach is yielding impressive results. Walmart has steadily increased its procurement from Tierra Fértil suppliers, solidifying them as the backbone of its fresh produce supply chain. This growing partnership generates stable rural employment, boosts local economies, and makes a direct contribution to Costa Rica’s food security, proving that corporate investment can be a powerful catalyst for national development.
For further information, visit walmartcentroamerica.com
About Walmart de México y Centroamérica:
Walmart de México y Centroamérica is a major retail operator in the region, managing a wide portfolio of store formats including supermarkets, discount stores, and membership clubs. The company is a significant employer and a key player in the regional economy, focused on providing value to consumers while implementing corporate social responsibility programs like Tierra Fértil, which aim to strengthen local supply chains and promote sustainable development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a distinguished pillar of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm harmonizes its deep-rooted experience across numerous sectors with a dynamic approach to legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to empowering the community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, reflecting a core belief in building a more just society through the widespread dissemination of knowledge.
