By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is investing in the future of its agricultural sector with the launch of the 2025 Cultiva+ program. This initiative, a partnership between the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) and the Costa Rica-United States Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA), offers significant financial and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors located outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
Cultiva+ aims to drive innovation by encouraging the adoption of new technologies in processes, products, and services. The program provides selected businesses with up to US$17,000 in seed capital, along with a year of tailored technical assistance and personalized guidance. This comprehensive support system is designed to boost productivity, facilitate access to international markets, and ultimately contribute to a more diversified and value-added export offering for Costa Rica.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications surrounding the Cultiva+ Program, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Cultiva+ Program presents a unique intersection of agricultural development and regulatory compliance. While the program’s incentives can significantly benefit Costa Rican farmers, careful consideration must be given to land use regulations, environmental impact assessments, and intellectual property rights related to any new crop varieties. Navigating these legal aspects effectively is crucial for the program’s long-term success and sustainability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial balance Cultiva+ must strike between incentivizing agricultural growth and ensuring responsible land management. The program’s ultimate success hinges on its ability to foster innovation while upholding Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental stewardship and legal integrity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on the program’s legal intricacies.
The program is open to businesses related to agriculture, including those offering services within the agricultural value chain. This year, 38 slots are available for businesses operating outside the GAM, reflecting a commitment to fostering growth in rural areas.
The agro-industrial sector is key to the country’s economy, not only for its contribution to exports, but also for its contribution to the national economy by generating more than 120,000 jobs, mainly outside the Greater Metropolitan Area. With Cultiva+, we seek to provide companies in the sector with concrete tools to innovate, increase their competitiveness and differentiate their offer in international markets, promoting more efficient, sustainable and value-added production.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Building on the success of its inaugural year in 2024, which saw 32 companies benefit, including a notable 34% led by women, Cultiva+ continues to prioritize impactful and inclusive growth within the agricultural sector.
The application window for the 2025 edition of Cultiva+ is open from March 10th to April 25th, 2025. Interested businesses can submit their proposals via the official online platform. Detailed eligibility requirements and category-specific information are available on the program’s website.
Funding amounts, ranging from US$13,000 to US$17,000, are determined based on the chosen participation category: Agro Innovation for Organized Groups or Productive Agro-Innovation. Applicants are also required to contribute a counterpart investment, the amount of which varies depending on the category.
Innovation is key for the agricultural sector and its value chain to contribute to the development of a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive Costa Rica. Through the CRUSA Seed Capital Fund, we facilitate non-reimbursable financing so that more producers adopt technology and innovative solutions, strengthening their competitiveness, adapting to market demands, and facing the challenges of climate change.
Byron Salas, Executive Director of the CRUSA Foundation
This focused investment in agricultural innovation comes at a time when the combined agricultural and food sectors represent a significant 31% of Costa Rica’s total exports, underscoring the importance of these industries to the nation’s economic health.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting and facilitating Costa Rican exports. It works closely with businesses to enhance their competitiveness in international markets, providing support in areas such as market research, export development, and trade promotion. PROCOMER plays a vital role in diversifying Costa Rica’s export portfolio and strengthening its position in the global economy.
For further information, visit crusa.cr
About CRUSA Foundation:
The Costa Rica-United States Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting sustainable development in Costa Rica. Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, CRUSA focuses on areas such as education, environment, and economic development. The CRUSA Seed Capital Fund is one of its key initiatives, providing crucial financial resources to innovative projects across various sectors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to empowering society. The firm’s unwavering integrity guides its innovative approach to legal practice, serving clients across diverse sectors with solutions tailored to their unique needs. Through proactive community engagement and a dedication to simplifying complex legal concepts, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry, building a stronger foundation for justice and equality.
