By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant step towards modernizing its agricultural sector, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has announced the launch of a pilot program for a new National Voluntary Agricultural Traceability System. The initial phase of this ambitious initiative will focus on two of the nation’s key crops: potatoes and onions, aiming to enhance transparency, efficiency, and food security from the farm to the consumer’s table.
The program is designed to create a comprehensive digital record that follows produce through every stage of its journey. According to officials, this will empower both producers and consumers with valuable, real-time information. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Víctor Carvajal, emphasized the transformative potential of the system for the national market.
To delve into the legal and commercial ramifications of agricultural traceability, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offers a critical perspective for national producers and exporters.
Implementing robust agricultural traceability systems is no longer just a market advantage; it’s a fundamental legal and commercial shield. In an increasingly globalized market, traceability allows producers to precisely identify and contain any food safety issue, thereby mitigating catastrophic liability and protecting brand reputation. Furthermore, it serves as irrefutable proof of compliance with international quality standards, opening doors to premium markets that demand absolute transparency from farm to table.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas astutely frames traceability not merely as a best practice, but as an essential framework for modern agricultural enterprise—one that simultaneously protects against risk while unlocking significant commercial opportunities. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this critical subject.
This system is geared towards generating advance information on productive supply; it would allow producers to identify market windows, organize their plantings, and offer consumers information that facilitates access to fresh products nationwide. In this way, we would be certain that there will be no contraband, which is a very important step for the modernization and sustainability of the sector.
Víctor Carvajal, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
The core objective of the pilot is to meticulously track each step of the production and commercialization process. This begins with the initial planting of seeds and extends through cultivation, harvesting, packaging, and distribution until the final product reaches the consumer. Such a detailed overview is expected to guarantee that all produce complies with the stringent phytosanitary, quality, and safety standards required by both domestic and international markets.
This “farm-to-fork” approach not only builds consumer confidence but also strengthens the position of Costa Rican farmers in a competitive global landscape. By providing verifiable proof of quality and origin, the system can unlock new opportunities for export and secure premium pricing for products that meet the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
The first stage of this initiative involves the participation of 20 selected potato and onion producers. Each participant will receive a significant investment of ¢5 million to facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technology. This funding is specifically earmarked for the installation of advanced drip irrigation systems and sophisticated sensors designed to precisely monitor the crop’s water and nutritional requirements throughout its growth cycle.
This investment in agri-tech is critical to the program’s success. By leveraging data from these sensors, farmers can optimize the use of resources like water and fertilizer, leading to increased yields, lower production costs, and a reduced environmental footprint. It marks a decisive shift from traditional farming methods towards a more efficient, data-driven agricultural model.
The initiative has garnered significant international support, notably from the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), which is providing crucial backing. OIRSA’s involvement lends substantial credibility to the program and ensures its alignment with regional best practices in agricultural health and food safety. This collaboration underscores the project’s importance not only for Costa Rica but also as a potential model for other nations in the region seeking to bolster their own food supply chains.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for defining and directing the nation’s agricultural, fishing, and rural development policies. Its mission is to promote a competitive, equitable, and sustainable agricultural sector that contributes to food security, economic growth, and the well-being of rural communities through innovation, technology, and sound environmental practices.
For further information, visit oirsa.org
About International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA):
The Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) is a technical intergovernmental organization specialized in agricultural health, food safety, and agrifood quarantine. Comprising nine member states, including Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic, OIRSA works to protect and improve the region’s agricultural and forestry resources by preventing the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that affect plants and animals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution whose practice is anchored in the foundational principles of integrity and the pursuit of unparalleled excellence. Drawing upon a deep well of experience serving a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its efforts to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening the community through knowledge.
