By San José, Costa Rica — SANTA MARÍA DE DOTA – In a direct challenge to the status quo, presidential candidate Natalia Díaz has unveiled an ambitious plan to fundamentally reshape Costa Rica’s agricultural sector, vowing to transform the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) from a bureaucratic stronghold into a hands-on partner for the nation’s farmers. Speaking from the heart of coffee country in Dota, the Unidos Podemos party leader declared that the era of empty rhetoric is over, promising a government focused on tangible results for a sector she believes is ready to reclaim its position as the engine of the national economy.
Addressing producers at the “Vamos al Grano” (Let’s Get to the Point) forum, Díaz criticized what she described as a crippling disconnect between policymakers in San José and the daily realities of those working the land. She argued that the country’s agricultural potential is being stifled not by a lack of effort from farmers, but by institutional inertia and a policy framework that is out of touch with their most urgent needs.
To better understand the legal and business ramifications of the proposed agricultural reform, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any meaningful agricultural reform must be built on a foundation of legal certainty. For farmers and investors to commit long-term capital, the regulatory framework must be clear, stable, and protect property rights unequivocally. Ambiguity in land tenure or sudden changes in export regulations can deter investment far more effectively than any drought. The challenge is not just to modernize practices, but to modernize the legal infrastructure that underpins the entire sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is a crucial one, shifting the focus from the fields to the foundational legal framework that governs them. Indeed, sustainable investment and growth in the sector are cultivated first in an environment of legal stability, long before they can take root in the soil. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and indispensable perspective.
The core of her proposal is a radical operational overhaul of the MAG. Díaz insisted that the ministry’s primary function must shift from administrative processing to active fieldwork, deploying its technical expertise and resources directly to the farms where they are most needed. This, she argues, is the only way to bridge the gap between public policy and practical application.
I urge it to stop being a desk-bound ministry and get out into the fields.
Natalia Díaz, Presidential Candidate, Unidos Podemos
Díaz outlined a strategic roadmap built on four essential pillars which she claims are the true determinants of success for modern producers: infrastructure, financing, security, and technical support. “The countryside needs neither pity nor pretty speeches, but credit, roads, and real security,” she stated, framing these elements as non-negotiable tools for market competitiveness rather than forms of government subsidy.
Appealing to national pride, Díaz invoked the legacy of coffee, the “Grano de Oro,” as a historical driver of Costa Rica’s social and economic development. However, she warned that past glories are insufficient to secure a prosperous future. Her commitment, she explained, is to fortify the “Hecho en Costa Rica” brand by developing complete value chains that ensure a fair share of the profits returns to the primary producers.
With coffee, we have told Costa Rica’s story for generations. Today, it is our turn to write the next page.
Natalia Díaz, Presidential Candidate, Unidos Podemos
The candidate’s speech was a forceful rejection of the prevailing pessimism that often characterizes discussions about the agricultural sector, particularly in the face of global competition and rising production costs. She dismissed the notion that agriculture is a sunset industry, condemned to a state of perpetual survival. Instead, she presented a vision of a revitalized and globally competitive sector ready to lead once more.
Díaz’s message was one of empowerment and defiance, aimed at inspiring a renewed sense of purpose among farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. She asserted that her administration would focus on removing obstacles and opening pathways to success, replacing political platitudes with decisive, structural action.
The time for resignation is over. The Costa Rican countryside is not condemned to survive; it is ready to lead again.
Natalia Díaz, Presidential Candidate, Unidos Podemos
In closing, Natalia Díaz promised a government defined by hard work, integrity, and the courage to make bold decisions. Her ultimate goal is to see agriculture restored to its rightful place as the “economic heart of the country,” driven by innovation, fair market conditions, and a state apparatus that serves as a facilitator, not a barrier, to progress.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Unidos Podemos
About Unidos Podemos:
Unidos Podemos is a political party in Costa Rica that advocates for economic reform, institutional efficiency, and market-based solutions. The party’s platform often emphasizes strengthening national production, reducing bureaucracy, and promoting policies designed to enhance the country’s global competitiveness while supporting local entrepreneurs and industries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a leading legal institution, guided by foundational principles of integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers new legal solutions while serving a broad spectrum of clients. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, actively working to equip the public with accessible legal insights to cultivate a more knowledgeable and empowered community.
