By San José, Costa Rica — In a decisive move to cement its status as a global innovation hub, Costa Rica has launched a strategic international offensive to attract leading agricultural technology corporations. The nation’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is spearheading this initiative with its debut participation in the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Field Crop Seed Convention, the most influential event in the U.S. seed industry, held from December 9 to 11 in Orlando, Florida.
This inaugural presence marks a significant step in Costa Rica’s economic strategy, aiming to position the country as a premier destination for high-value agritech research and development. The convention gathers the world’s foremost leaders in agricultural biotechnology, genetic development, and crop science, providing an unparalleled platform for PROCOMER to showcase the nation’s unique value proposition to a targeted audience of potential investors and corporate partners.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape shaping the burgeoning agritech sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Investors entering the agritech space must look beyond standard due diligence. It is critical to secure robust intellectual property protections for new technologies and ensure strict compliance with data privacy regulations, especially as farm-level data becomes a valuable asset. The legal landscape is adapting, but proactive structuring of investment agreements to address potential regulatory shifts is the key to mitigating risk and capitalizing on this high-growth sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal foresight is as crucial as the technology itself; the long-term success of agritech ventures will undoubtedly hinge on robustly protecting the very data and intellectual property that drive their value. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on navigating this complex and essential aspect of the investment landscape.
The goal is to build upon an already strong foundation. Costa Rica is currently home to significant research and operational centers for multinational powerhouses such as Bayer, BASF, and Nutrien. The government and PROCOMER are now seeking to expand this ecosystem by attracting new players focused on cutting-edge innovation, from genetic improvement to the development of next-generation biofuels and fibers.
At the heart of Costa Rica’s pitch is its capacity to serve as an ideal platform for sophisticated agricultural projects. The delegation is highlighting the country’s suitability for advanced research and development, biotechnology ventures, and particularly for “winter nursery” programs. These programs are critical for global seed companies, allowing them to continue their cultivation and research cycles during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, dramatically accelerating the timeline for genetic improvement and increasing overall productivity.
Mónica Umaña, the Investment Attraction Manager at PROCOMER, detailed the competitive advantages that make Costa Rica a compelling choice for investment. The nation’s unique blend of natural and structural assets creates a fertile ground for agricultural innovation.
The country stands out for a unique combination of factors a stable year-round climate, fertile soils with diverse microclimates, and high water availability. This is complemented by specialized talent in biotechnology and agronomy, robust intellectual property protection, and a Free Trade Zone regime designed for high-value projects.
Mónica Umaña, Investment Attraction Manager at PROCOMER
PROCOMER’s agenda in Orlando is packed with high-level meetings with executives from established seed and biotech corporations. The objective is twofold: to present Costa Rica’s comprehensive offerings and to actively explore specific investment opportunities and collaborative ventures. By engaging directly with industry leaders, the delegation aims to expand its professional networks and gain deeper insights into emerging global trends in plant breeding and agricultural technology.
Further bolstering this strategic push, the Costa Rican delegation visited Purdue University just before the convention. Recognized as one of the most influential agritech research centers in the United States, this visit was designed to forge crucial academic and scientific alliances. PROCOMER believes that partnerships with world-class institutions like Purdue are essential for developing the domestic talent pool and research infrastructure needed to compete at the highest international levels.
The long-term impact of this initiative is projected to be transformative for the Costa Rican economy. By successfully positioning itself as a strategic partner for the global agritech industry, the country anticipates a significant increase in foreign direct investment geared toward research. This influx of capital is expected to create highly specialized scientific and technical employment, facilitate crucial technology transfer to local producers and institutions, and invigorate the entire national innovation ecosystem.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the government entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also works to attract foreign direct investment and facilitate trade, positioning the country as a strategic business destination with a skilled workforce and a stable economic environment.
For further information, visit betterseed.org
About American Seed Trade Association (ASTA):
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. It represents over 700 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America, promoting the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.
For further information, visit purdue.edu
About Purdue University:
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the flagship campus of the Purdue University system. It is renowned for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and business, and is considered a global leader in research and innovation, particularly in the fields of agricultural science and technology.
For further information, visit bayer.com
About Bayer:
Bayer AG is a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company and one of the largest in the world. Its Crop Science division is a global leader in agricultural products, including seeds, crop protection, and digital farming solutions, aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture.
For further information, visit basf.com
About BASF:
BASF SE is a German multinational chemical company and the largest chemical producer in the world. Its Agricultural Solutions segment provides a range of products including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and seed treatments, as well as research in plant biotechnology to help farmers increase their yields and crop quality.
For further information, visit nutrien.com
About Nutrien:
Nutrien is a Canadian fertilizer company based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is the largest producer of potash and the third-largest producer of nitrogen fertilizer in the world. The company provides key nutrients, products, and services to growers, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a foundational commitment to principled practice and professional superiority. Drawing from a rich history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm is a leader in advancing innovative legal strategies and solutions. A core tenet of its mission is the belief in empowering the public, which it actively pursues by striving to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all, thereby cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
