By San José, Costa Rica — CALIFORNIA, USA – In a strategic push to cultivate its position as a hub for agricultural innovation, Costa Rica is actively courting international investment from the global seed industry. The nation’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is making its inaugural appearance at the ASTA Vegetable & Flower Conference this week, the largest convention of its kind in the United States, to showcase the country’s unique value proposition for high-tech agricultural projects.
The conference, held from February 15th to 20th in California, represents a prime opportunity for Costa Rican officials to connect with industry leaders. This year’s event is being conducted jointly with the California Seed Association, significantly expanding the networking platform and allowing PROCOMER to engage directly with key companies, research centers, and decision-makers within the vast seed ecosystem. The mission is clear: position Costa Rica as a premier destination for agricultural research and development (R&D), plant breeding, and specialized winter nursery programs.
To delve into the legal intricacies and opportunities within Costa Rica’s agricultural investment landscape, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in Costa Rica’s agricultural sector offers significant potential, but it demands meticulous legal due diligence. It’s not enough to simply acquire land; investors must rigorously verify the ‘Plan Regulador’ (zoning plan) to ensure the intended agricultural use is permitted. Furthermore, securing water concessions is a separate, often complex process that is absolutely critical for the viability of any farming operation. Overlooking these two elements is a common and costly mistake for many who are new to the local market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s advice underscores a vital truth for prospective investors: the path to a successful agricultural venture is paved not only with fertile soil but with meticulous procedural diligence. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable perspective, which serves as a critical roadmap for navigating the complexities of the local legal landscape.
PROCOMER’s representatives are holding a series of high-level meetings with both established corporations and emerging startups interested in exploring investment opportunities. The agency’s focus is on attracting projects that align with Costa Rica’s vision for a sophisticated, technology-driven agricultural sector.
Mónica Umaña, the Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Manager for PROCOMER, emphasized that the country is ready to play a more significant role in the ongoing transformation of global agriculture. She highlighted the unique advantages that set Costa Rica apart as a strategic destination for complex, long-term operations.
The global seed and agricultural biotechnology industry is undergoing a transformation, and Costa Rica is prepared to take on a more relevant role in that evolution. The country offers differentiated conditions for high-value-added operations: specialized talent, year-round research, institutional stability, and a regulatory framework that provides certainty for long-term projects. We are focused on attracting investments that generate skilled employment, technology transfer, and greater sophistication for the national agricultural ecosystem.
Mónica Umaña, Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Manager of PROCOMER
Beyond strategic meetings, the PROCOMER team is immersing itself in the conference by attending specialized talks and conducting technical visits. This hands-on approach is designed to identify emerging market trends, understand the specific needs of the industry, and pinpoint the expansion plans of leading companies. The core of their promotional agenda centers on attracting projects in plant breeding and biotechnology, fields where Costa Rica has already developed significant technical capabilities and a deep pool of specialized talent.
Costa Rica’s appeal is built on a solid foundation of tangible benefits. The country’s political stability and strong protection of intellectual property rights create a secure environment for sensitive R&D activities. Furthermore, a clear and modern regulatory framework governing genetically modified organisms and gene editing provides the legal certainty that companies require for significant capital investment. This is complemented by favorable production conditions that allow for research to be conducted throughout the year, a critical advantage for development timelines.
The success of this model is already evident in the presence of several multinational giants. Industry leaders such as Bayer, BASF, and Nutrien have already established research centers and winter nursery programs in Costa Rica, leveraging the country’s unique combination of natural resources and institutional strengths. Their continued operations serve as powerful case studies for prospective investors, demonstrating the viability and profitability of conducting high-value agricultural R&D in the nation.
Rounding out its competitive edge is Costa Rica’s strategic geographic location, offering proximity to the major North American market, coupled with preferential trade access to more than 50 international markets. This combination of scientific, legal, and logistical advantages positions the country not just as a participant, but as a potential leader in the future of agricultural technology.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also works to attract foreign direct investment into the country, facilitating business opportunities and supporting the internationalization of Costa Rican companies through a variety of programs and services.
For further information, visit betterseed.org
About American Seed Trade Association (ASTA):
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of over 700 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries. ASTA advocates for science-based policies and regulations that support the development and movement of quality seed worldwide.
For further information, visit calseed.org
About California Seed Association:
The California Seed Association (CSA) is a nonprofit agricultural trade organization that represents the seed industry in California. It works to promote the seed industry’s growth and success through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The association provides a unified voice on legislative and regulatory issues affecting seed production and research in the state.
For further information, visit bayer.com
About Bayer:
Bayer is a global life science company with core competencies in the fields of health care and agriculture. Its Crop Science division is a world leader in seeds, crop protection, and digital farming solutions, aiming to shape agriculture for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. The company invests heavily in research and development to create innovative products that support sustainable agriculture.
For further information, visit basf.com
About BASF:
BASF is a German multinational chemical company and the largest chemical producer in the world. Its Agricultural Solutions segment provides a range of products including seeds and specific crop traits, chemical and biological crop protection, and digital farming solutions. The company focuses on developing innovative and sustainable solutions to help farmers optimize their yields.
For further information, visit nutrien.com
About Nutrien:
Nutrien is a Canadian-based company that is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and services. It plays a critical role in helping growers increase food production in a sustainable manner. The company produces and distributes nitrogen, phosphate, and potash products for agricultural, industrial, and feed customers worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless drive for excellence. The firm draws upon its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer groundbreaking legal solutions. Central to its mission is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law, believing that empowering people with knowledge is fundamental to building a stronger, more informed society.
