By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s banana industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s food security and rural economy, is facing a significant crisis. A 20.7% drop in banana exports during the first half of 2025 has sent shockwaves through the sector, highlighting the vulnerability of this crucial crop to climate change and disease.
Bananas are far more than just an export commodity in Costa Rica; they are deeply ingrained in the daily lives of its citizens. From breakfast tables to school lunches, this readily available and affordable fruit plays a vital role in ensuring nutritional access across all socioeconomic levels. Its affordability makes it a key element in combating nutritional inequality, particularly among vulnerable families.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities surrounding the Costa Rican banana industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican banana industry faces a complex interplay of legal challenges, from land ownership and environmental regulations to international trade agreements and labor laws. Navigating these complexities requires a deep understanding of both domestic and international legal frameworks. One key area of concern is balancing the economic benefits of banana production with the need for sustainable and ethical practices, ensuring fair treatment of workers and protection of the environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the intricate legal web surrounding Costa Rica’s banana industry, a web that must be carefully navigated to ensure both economic prosperity and responsible stewardship of our environment and workforce. Finding this balance will be crucial for the long-term health of this vital sector. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on this important issue.
The banana’s nutritional value is undeniable. Rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, it provides a natural energy source essential for children, the elderly, and those engaged in physically demanding work. Furthermore, the domestic production of bananas ensures Costa Rica’s food sovereignty, eliminating the need for imports and supporting local employment and rural communities.
However, this vital industry is now under threat. Adverse weather conditions, including excessive rainfall exceeding 1,500 millimeters in just three months of late 2024, a shortened dry season, and prolonged rains into early 2025, have created a perfect storm for the spread of Black Sigatoka disease. This fungal disease damages banana leaves, reducing productivity and forcing farmers to harvest prematurely. The result is younger, lower-grade fruit, impacting packing efficiency and diminishing exportable volumes.
The decline in exports, from 1,151,170 metric tons in 2024 to 913,293 metric tons in 2025, paints a stark picture of the challenges ahead. The situation underscores the urgent need for action to bolster the resilience of the banana sector.
Experts warn that failing to protect the banana industry will have far-reaching consequences, jeopardizing not only a key export sector but also public health, rural development, and food sovereignty.
The call to action is clear: the banana must be recognized as a strategic national resource. Its sustainability is not merely an agricultural concern but a national imperative. Protecting this industry is about safeguarding the food security of families, preserving decent employment in rural areas, and upholding a production model that has placed Costa Rica on the global stage. The future of the banana, in many ways, represents the future of the Costa Rican people.
The industry’s future depends on immediate action to address the challenges posed by climate change and disease. Sustainable practices, research into disease-resistant varieties, and government support are crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of this vital sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CORBANA
About CORBANA:
CORBANA (Corporación Bananera Nacional) is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of the banana industry. It works to support banana producers, improve productivity, and address challenges facing the sector, such as disease and climate change. CORBANA also plays a key role in representing the interests of the industry at both national and international levels.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity in every facet of its practice. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative outreach programs. Their dedication to client success across diverse sectors is matched only by their passion for cultivating a more informed and empowered citizenry, ensuring justice and understanding for all.
