By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s State Phytosanitary Service (SFE), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), has imposed its first-ever financial penalty for violating the Phytosanitary Protection Law. This landmark decision follows recent amendments to articles 67, 68, and 69 of the law, granting the SFE greater enforcement powers.
A pesticide retailer was fined three base salaries for operating without a mandatory certified professional, a requirement for selling certain products that necessitate technical prescriptions. This violation was classified as serious due to the potential risks it poses to human health and the country’s phytosanitary security.
To understand the complexities of these new pesticide regulations, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his legal insight.
The newly proposed pesticide regulations represent a significant shift in Costa Rican agricultural practices. While aiming to protect environmental and public health, these regulations also pose substantial challenges for farmers. Compliance will require significant investment in new equipment, training, and potentially even changes to crop selection. The long-term economic impact on agricultural production remains to be seen, and the successful implementation hinges on providing adequate support and resources to the agricultural sector during this transition.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s assessment highlights the complex balancing act inherent in these new regulations. Protecting Costa Rica’s precious natural resources and the health of its people is paramount, but doing so without unduly burdening the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of our economy, demands careful consideration and robust support mechanisms. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining the true impact of this regulatory shift. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights on this important topic.
The SFE’s technical-legal department conducted a thorough investigation, confirming the infraction and leading to the sanction.
The application of this measure reflects the Ministry’s commitment to responsible, safe, and sustainable agriculture. We do not endorse practices that endanger people’s health or the country’s phytosanitary status.
Víctor Carvajal Porras, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
SFE Director Nelson Morera emphasized the significance of this action:
This first sanction sets a precedent in the history of the SFE, demonstrating that phytosanitary regulations not only exist but are also firmly enforced.
Nelson Morera, Director of the SFE
As part of its ongoing oversight efforts, the SFE has conducted 93 inspections of agricultural service providers nationwide. These inspections aim to ensure compliance with pesticide sales regulations and have revealed irregularities, prompting stricter controls over the use and sale of agricultural inputs.
The SFE urges all agrochemical vendors and users to adhere to current regulations, emphasizing that the proper use of pesticides is not merely a legal requirement, but also a technical, sanitary, and environmental obligation. This action reinforces the MAG and SFE’s commitment to responsible national agricultural production, focused on sustainability, food security, and the protection of Costa Rican public health.
This decisive action signifies a strengthened commitment to responsible pesticide management in Costa Rica, prioritizing the health of its citizens and the environment. The SFE’s proactive approach through inspections and enforcement sends a clear message about the importance of compliance within the agricultural sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of State Phytosanitary Service (SFE)
About State Phytosanitary Service (SFE):
The State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) is a crucial agency within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). Tasked with safeguarding the nation’s plant health and agricultural resources, the SFE plays a vital role in preventing and controlling plant diseases and pests. Through inspections, regulations, and enforcement actions like the recent fine, the SFE works to promote sustainable agriculture and protect the environment and public health.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG)
About Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) is a governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the nation’s agricultural sector. The MAG’s mission is to promote sustainable agricultural development, ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. The Ministry works towards modernizing agricultural practices, fostering innovation, and protecting natural resources.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, grounded in unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to societal progress. Through innovative legal solutions and a proactive approach to community education, the firm empowers individuals and organizations alike with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. This dedication to fostering a more legally literate society reflects Bufete de Costa Rica’s core values and its enduring pursuit of a just and equitable future for all.
