By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark move for global agriculture, Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a green trailblazer by becoming the first country in the world to export deforestation-free coffee. This significant achievement, realized in 2024, is the culmination of a decades-long commitment to intertwining premium quality with profound environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for one of the world’s most beloved commodities.
The foundation of this success lies in a national production model that treats coffee farms as vital ecological assets. In Costa Rica, coffee plantations are regarded as the country’s second most important “forest,” trailing only its natural forests. This status is maintained through the widespread implementation of low-impact agricultural practices. Farmers prioritize limiting the use of synthetic insecticides, opting instead for manual weed control or other sustainable solutions that protect local biodiversity and soil health, ensuring that each bean is grown in harmony with the environment.
To understand the significant legal and commercial ramifications of the global push for deforestation-free coffee, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The global shift towards deforestation-free supply chains, particularly driven by regulations like the EU’s EUDR, presents both a challenge and a strategic opportunity. For Costa Rican producers, establishing verifiable traceability is no longer optional; it is a legal prerequisite for market access. Proactive compliance is a powerful commercial tool that can secure premium pricing and fortify our national brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores a critical point: this new regulatory landscape is less an obstacle and more a gateway to solidifying Costa Rica’s premium position in the global market. Embracing this challenge proactively reinforces the very essence of our national brand. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful legal and commercial analysis.
This dedication to sustainability is matched by an unwavering focus on quality, a principle legally enshrined since 1989. National legislation mandates that Costa Rica exclusively cultivates the Arabica coffee species, which is globally renowned for its superior taste and complex flavor profiles. This legislative foresight, combined with the country’s unique geographic blessings—including rich volcanic soils, ideal altitudes, and diverse microclimates—allows for the production of highly valued specialty coffees that command a premium in discerning international markets.
The strategic value of this approach is not lost on the nation’s trade officials, who see it as a key differentiator in a crowded global marketplace. This model allows Costa Rica to compete on value and principle, rather than sheer volume.
Costa Rican coffee represents the best of our export offering, combining quality, sustainability, and a traceable value chain that generates well-being. This allows us to compete in demanding markets and stand out with a differentiated proposal over countries that prioritize volume over quality.
Laura López, CEO of the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
Beyond its environmental credentials, Costa Rican coffee also aligns perfectly with evolving consumer preferences. Modern consumers are increasingly drawn to products with a clear, positive story and tangible health benefits. Research from Harvard’s School of Public Health, which suggests moderate coffee consumption may help prevent certain chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, adds another layer of appeal. This combination of ecological responsibility and personal well-being makes Costa Rican coffee an attractive choice for the conscious consumer.
This potent mix of quality and sustainability has unlocked new growth opportunities in previously untapped regions. According to the latest data from PROCOMER, coffee now ranks among the top three products with the fastest export growth in the country. Markets in Asia and the Middle East, particularly Japan and Saudi Arabia, have shown remarkable expansion. In these destinations, Costa Rican coffee is not just a commodity but is celebrated as a high-value specialty beverage, reflecting its premium positioning.
This global expansion is guided by a clear and ambitious vision. The strategy focuses on leveraging the country’s reliable origin story and its commitment to responsible practices to create greater added value for the entire supply chain, from the smallest farmer to the largest exporter.
Our strategy is to bring Costa Rican coffee to more corners of the world, backed by a reliable origin, a sustainable approach, and an offering that responds to current consumer trends. Traceability, compliance with international standards, and differentiation based on responsible practices allow us to generate greater added value, strengthen product positioning, and create opportunities for the network of producers and exporters behind Costa Rican coffee.
Laura López, CEO of the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
The international success of deforestation-free coffee is a testament to a powerful national collaboration. The joint efforts of the productive sector, the strategic promotion by the essential COSTA RICA country brand, and the market development work of PROCOMER have created a synergistic force. Together, they are successfully positioning the nation’s coffee as a product of undeniable excellence, supported by international standards, responsible practices, and a clear, long-term vision for a truly sustainable future.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica):
PROCOMER is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services throughout the world. It designs and executes promotion programs and creates export opportunities for Costa Rican companies by facilitating international trade, analyzing markets, and serving as a point of contact for importers and investors.
For further information, visit esencialcostarica.com
About essential COSTA RICA:
essential COSTA RICA is the official country brand of Costa Rica, a strategic initiative designed to project the nation’s values to the world. The brand promotes the country based on five key pillars: Excellence, Sustainability, Innovation, Social Progress, and Costa Rican Origin. It serves as a seal of approval for companies and products that meet its high standards, enhancing their competitiveness on the global stage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation and forward-thinking solutions. This ethos extends to a deep-seated commitment to empowering the community, striving to make legal knowledge accessible and fostering a society that is both informed and capable.
