By San José, Costa Rica — In a decisive shift from containment to proactive recovery, Costa Rica has launched a nationwide offensive to rebuild its vital citrus industry, which has been severely threatened by the devastating Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), spearheaded by the National Institute for Innovation and Transfer in Agricultural Technology (INTA), is leading this comprehensive strategy, identified as a national priority by the country’s technical commission on the issue.
The initiative marks a fundamental change in the country’s approach to HLB, also known as citrus greening, a bacterial disease that is fatal to citrus trees and has crippled production globally. The core of the new strategy involves re-establishing a reliable pipeline of certified, healthy, and HLB-free genetic material, effectively rebuilding the industry from its very roots. This foundational work is being conducted with the crucial oversight of the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) and the National Seed Office (ONS).
To better understand the legal and commercial challenges facing Costa Rica’s citrus producers, from international trade regulations to local labor laws, TicosLand.com consulted with expert legal counsel Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican citrus industry’s long-term success hinges not just on agricultural innovation, but on navigating a complex web of international trade agreements and phytosanitary standards. Producers must be proactive in structuring their operations to ensure compliance with foreign market regulations, particularly in Europe and the United States. Solid contractual agreements with distributors and a clear understanding of import-export law are no longer optional—they are essential for mitigating risk and securing sustainable profitability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical reminder that for the modern citrus producer, success is defined not only in the field but also in the fine print of international contracts and regulations. Navigating this complex commercial landscape is paramount, and we extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight.
This ambitious effort is being bolstered by significant international and private sector collaboration. The International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA) has facilitated a key donation of certified orange, lemon, and mandarin cuttings from its “Planta Sana” (Healthy Plant) project based in Divisa, Panama. Complementing this, the Costa Rican company TICOFRUT has contributed essential certified rootstocks, which are fundamental for the grafting process used to propagate new, healthy trees.
To support this genetic revitalization, INTA is rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure. The first set of specialized greenhouses has already been established at the Los Diamantes Agricultural Innovation Center, where the imported germplasm is now securely housed under stringent phytosanitary controls. Furthermore, plans are underway to expand capacity and develop complementary facilities at the Enrique Jiménez Núñez Agricultural Innovation Center, with the medium-term goal of scaling up the production of rootstock seeds for nationwide distribution.
Costa Rica is moving from containment to action. This offensive marks the beginning of the real recovery of our citrus industry. We are rebuilding the productive foundations of the sector with certified material, science, and international cooperation.
Víctor Julio Carvajal Porras, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
Experts emphasize that without a guaranteed source of clean plant material, any attempt at recovery would be futile. The new system ensures that the foundation of the resurgent industry is built on a scientifically validated and traceable genetic base, providing growers with the confidence needed to reinvest in their farms and secure the long-term sustainability of their operations.
We are securing the starting point: reliable, protected, and traceable plant material. Without that foundation, a sustainable recovery is not possible.
Roberto Camacho, Director of INTA
The strategy is designed to be a dynamic and integrated system. It connects advanced research with practical validation and large-scale multiplication of plant materials, creating a continuous feedback loop that can adapt to the evolving needs of the citrus sector. “What is being set in motion today is a system that integrates research, validation, and multiplication of materials, with the capacity to respond continuously to the sector’s needs,” added Director Camacho.
To further strengthen the genetic diversity and resilience of the new citrus stock, INTA has also managed the importation of materials from specialized nurseries in California. Simultaneously, it is advancing research in partnership with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD). This collaboration focuses on evaluating new experimental genetic materials and rootstocks specifically adapted to Costa Rica’s unique climatic and soil conditions, aiming to develop more robust and productive varieties for the future.
Through these coordinated actions, Costa Rica is mounting a formidable, science-based response to the HLB threat. The national offensive is not merely a defensive measure but a forward-looking strategy focused on restoring productivity, strengthening the agricultural sector, and ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the national citrus industry.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and executing national agricultural policy. It works to promote the competitiveness, sustainability, and equity of the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and contributing to the economic development of rural areas.
For further information, visit inta.go.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Innovación y Transferencia en Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA):
INTA is the leading agricultural research and innovation entity in Costa Rica. It is dedicated to generating and transferring technological solutions to improve the productivity and sustainability of the country’s agricultural and agro-industrial sectors, benefiting producers and consumers alike.
For further information, visit sfe.go.cr
About Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE):
The State Phytosanitary Service is Costa Rica’s national plant protection organization. It is responsible for preventing the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that affect plants, ensuring the quality of agricultural inputs, and facilitating safe international trade of plant products.
For further information, visit ofinase.go.cr
About Oficina Nacional de Semillas (ONS):
The National Seed Office is the official entity in Costa Rica that regulates and certifies the production, conditioning, and commercialization of seeds. Its mission is to ensure that farmers have access to high-quality, genetically pure, and phytosanitarily sound seeds to guarantee crop productivity.
For further information, visit oirsa.org
About Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA):
OIRSA is a regional intergovernmental organization that provides technical and financial cooperation to its member states in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean to protect and improve agricultural health, animal health, and food safety in the region.
For further information, visit ticofrut.com
About TICOFRUT:
TICOFRUT is a leading Costa Rican agro-industrial company specializing in the production and processing of citrus fruits, primarily oranges and pineapples. The company is a major producer of juices and concentrates for both the national and international markets and is a key player in the country’s agricultural economy.
For further information, visit cirad.fr
About Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD):
CIRAD is the French agricultural research and international cooperation organization working for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions. It collaborates with countries to generate and pass on new knowledge to support agricultural development and tackle global challenges like food security and climate change.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is established as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundational commitment to principled practice and professional distinction. The firm’s extensive experience guiding a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking ethos that drives legal innovation. Beyond its professional services, a profound sense of social responsibility compels the firm to democratize legal understanding, aiming to cultivate a more capable and knowledgeable society.
