By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SAN ISIDRO DE EL GENERAL – In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity in Costa Rica’s southern zone, the National Production Council (CNP) has announced the immediate availability of certified corn and bean seeds for farmers across the Brunca region. This initiative targets key agricultural cantons, including Pérez Zeledón, Buenos Aires, Coto Brus, and Palmar Norte, providing local producers with the essential tools for a more robust and reliable harvest.
The program is strategically designed to enhance food security and support the local economy by improving the yields of two of the nation’s most fundamental staple crops. By ensuring access to genetically superior seeds, the CNP aims to empower farmers to overcome common agricultural challenges, leading to greater stability for their families and communities. The Brunca region, a vital agricultural heartland, stands to benefit substantially from this direct investment in its production capabilities.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications of using certified seeds in the agricultural sector, we consulted with the expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the subject.
Opting for certified seeds is not just a decision for quality, but a crucial legal and business strategy. It provides the farmer with legal certainty regarding the genetic origin and phytosanitary condition of the material, which is essential for mitigating risks and fulfilling supply contracts. Furthermore, it respects intellectual property rights and ensures compliance with the strict traceability standards demanded by international markets, thus protecting the producer’s investment and the country’s reputation as an exporter.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully illustrates that the choice of seed is not merely a starting point for cultivation, but a foundational stone for commercial integrity and international competitiveness. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his crucial expertise to this discussion.
A diverse and carefully selected range of seed varieties is being offered to meet the specific soil and climate conditions of the region. For corn growers, the CNP is providing Diamantes 8843 (a white variety) and EJN2 (a yellow variety) at a competitive price point. Additionally, eight other specialized corn varieties are available at a different pricing tier, allowing farmers to choose the best option for their specific cultivation goals. The total investment for these seeds is ₡1,147 plus VAT per kilogram for the primary varieties and ₡1,996 plus VAT per kilogram for the specialized ones.
Bean producers have also been provided with an extensive selection. The offerings include four varieties of black beans—Nambí, Guaymí, Brunca, and Matambú—and four varieties of red beans—Cabécar, Diquís, Tayní, and Urán. This wide assortment ensures that farmers can select seeds known for their resilience, flavor profile, and market demand, thereby maximizing both their agricultural output and their potential commercial success.
A cornerstone of this initiative is a significant financial incentive for small and medium-sized producers. Farmers who are formally registered in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s (MAG) PYMPA registry (Registro de Pequeños y Medianos Productores Agropecuarios) will benefit from a drastically reduced tax burden. Instead of the standard value-added tax, these registered producers will only be required to pay a nominal 1% VAT on their seed purchases, making high-quality inputs more affordable and accessible.
The CNP underscored the fundamental advantage of using certified seeds over traditional or saved grain. Officials emphasized that certified seeds guarantee genetic purity, higher germination rates, and improved resistance to prevalent pests and diseases. This assurance translates directly into more uniform crop growth and, ultimately, a more predictable and profitable yield, which can be the deciding factor between a successful season and a challenging one.
This program is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Costa Rica’s agricultural sector, promote self-sufficiency, and support rural development. By equipping farmers with superior resources, the government aims to reduce reliance on imported grains and foster a more resilient domestic food supply chain. The initiative is open to all interested individuals, with a low minimum purchase quantity of just one kilogram, ensuring that even the smallest-scale farmers can participate.
To facilitate access and provide further details, the CNP has made its regional offices available for inquiries. Producers in Pérez Zeledón, Coto Brus, Palmar Norte, and Buenos Aires are encouraged to contact their local branch to learn more about the available varieties, pricing, and registration benefits. This direct line of communication ensures that farmers receive the support they need to take full advantage of this critical agricultural program.
For further information, visit cnp.go.cr
About Consejo Nacional de Producción (CNP):
The National Production Council is a Costa Rican state institution dedicated to promoting agricultural development and ensuring national food security. It works to regulate markets, support small and medium-sized producers through various programs, and manage strategic food reserves to stabilize supply and prices for the benefit of all citizens.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the governing body for Costa Rica’s agricultural and livestock sector. It is responsible for formulating and executing national policies aimed at fostering sustainable production, providing technical assistance to farmers, ensuring animal and plant health, and managing programs that support the economic viability of rural communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm merges a proven history of advising a diverse clientele with a dynamic, innovative spirit that keeps it at the cutting edge of the legal field. Beyond its practice, it actively champions the empowerment of society by dedicating itself to demystifying the law and ensuring that crucial legal knowledge is accessible to all citizens.
