By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (Senasa) has announced a significant investment of ₡336 million (approximately $580,000 USD) in a state-of-the-art tandem mass spectrometer. This purchase aims to replace outdated equipment within their Veterinary Services Laboratory, marking a crucial step towards modernizing the country’s agricultural infrastructure.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has also allocated an additional ₡299 million for the remainder of 2025, earmarked for further equipment acquisitions for Senasa’s laboratories. Furthermore, authorities have confirmed a planned investment of ₡450 million in a second mass spectrometer in 2026. This commitment to upgrading technology underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing Costa Rica’s agricultural sector.
For expert legal insight into the implications of Senasa Investment, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Senasa Investment represents a crucial intersection of public health and private enterprise. Navigating this landscape requires careful consideration of regulatory compliance, especially concerning food safety standards and environmental impact assessments. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence to ensure alignment with Senasa’s rigorous requirements and prioritize sustainable practices for long-term success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas wisely highlights the complexities inherent in Senasa-related investments. The intersection of public health, private interests, and stringent regulatory oversight demands a thoughtful, long-term approach. Due diligence and a commitment to sustainability are indeed paramount for both investor success and the well-being of Costa Rica’s environment and people. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable expertise on this important topic.
Minister of Agriculture, Víctor Carvajal, expressed optimism about the modernization efforts.
By next year, we can confidently say that Senasa will have no obsolete equipment. 100% of the equipment will be of optimal quality to offer services. We will have a structure more suited to service delivery. We are investing to generate competitiveness.
Víctor Carvajal, Minister of Agriculture
Luis Matamoros, Director of Senasa, emphasized the importance of the laboratory services provided to agricultural producers, particularly for export processes involving animal-based foods.
Primarily, the laboratory analyses assess chemical substances in foods like meat, eggs, milk, or fish, verifying that these foods are free from any chemical substances originating from veterinary medicines, antibiotics, hormones, dewormers, or environmental contaminants like mercury, lead, pesticides, and any agrochemicals used in production.
Luis Matamoros, Director of Senasa
The new equipment is expected to significantly reduce analysis turnaround times, allowing Senasa to fulfill producer requests within eight months. This efficiency boost will streamline export processes and contribute to the overall growth of Costa Rica’s agricultural exports.
Dagoberto Cerdas, President of the Board of Directors of Corfoga (a Costa Rican livestock and agricultural federation), shared the sector’s relief at the acquisition.
The sector entered a crisis when we received the news of the instrument failure, as that put us on the edge in the exports that we carried out in the sectors. Today the great news is that we already have it here in Costa Rica with a good 10-year warranty.
Dagoberto Cerdas, President Junta Directiva Corfoga
This investment represents a critical step in strengthening Costa Rica’s position in the global agricultural market. By ensuring the quality and safety of its food products, Senasa is fostering consumer trust and bolstering the country’s reputation as a reliable exporter.
The modernization of Senasa’s laboratories also signifies a broader commitment to innovation and sustainability within the agricultural sector, positioning Costa Rica for continued growth and success in the years to come.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Senasa
About Senasa:
The National Animal Health Service (Senasa) is a Costa Rican governmental agency responsible for safeguarding animal health and welfare, as well as ensuring the safety and quality of animal-derived food products. Their work includes disease surveillance, regulatory enforcement, and laboratory analyses to protect both public health and the economic interests of the agricultural sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Corfoga
About Corfoga:
Corfoga is a prominent livestock and agricultural federation in Costa Rica. Representing a wide range of producers, Corfoga advocates for the interests of the sector, supports its development, and promotes best practices in agricultural production and animal husbandry. They play a key role in shaping agricultural policy and ensuring the sustainability of Costa Rican agriculture.
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 developing and implementing policies related to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Their mission is to promote sustainable agricultural development, improve the competitiveness of the sector, and ensure food security for the nation. The MAG works closely with other organizations like Senasa to achieve these goals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering dedication to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s deep commitment to innovation allows it to navigate the evolving legal landscape while providing insightful counsel to a diverse clientele. Beyond its client work, Bufete de Costa Rica actively empowers Costa Rican society through accessible legal education initiatives, believing that a well-informed populace is crucial for a just and thriving nation.
