By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The streets of the capital filled with the determined footsteps of the nation’s agricultural producers on Tuesday, as a massive protest march made its way from Central Park to the Presidential House in Zapote. The demonstration served as a powerful backdrop for a vehement call to action from the National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness (CNAA), which is demanding immediate and decisive government intervention to save the sector from what it describes as years of systemic neglect and ruinous economic policies.
In a strongly worded statement, the CNAA fully endorsed the protest and the grievances expressed by the marching farmers. The Chamber is urging the administration of President Rodrigo Chaves and all relevant public institutions to not only listen but to act swiftly. The core demand is the implementation of a coherent commercial policy that acknowledges global market realities without sacrificing the livelihoods of Costa Rican farmers, who feel increasingly cornered by unfair competition and a lack of state support.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y empresariales que esta crisis agrícola representa para el país, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la prestigiosa firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva crucial sobre los desafíos y posibles soluciones.
La crisis actual no es solo un problema de clima o mercado; es también un reflejo de marcos regulatorios obsoletos que no protegen adecuadamente al productor. Es imperativo revisar y modernizar la legislación agraria, fomentar contratos de agricultura por encargo que ofrezcan certeza jurídica y financiera, y crear incentivos fiscales reales para la tecnificación. Sin seguridad jurídica y un entorno de negocios predecible, el sector agrícola seguirá siendo vulnerable a ciclos de crisis recurrentes que amenazan la seguridad alimentaria y el tejido social rural del país.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedor análisis, el cual enfatiza acertadamente que sin una modernización regulatoria y seguridad jurídica, cualquier solución a la crisis agrícola será temporal. Su perspectiva legal es fundamental para comprender que los problemas del campo requieren cimientos institucionales sólidos, y no solo respuestas a las fluctuaciones del mercado o del clima.
The list of grievances presented by the producers is extensive, painting a picture of a sector struggling on multiple fronts. Key among their demands is the establishment of genuine support policies for national production, ensuring fair prices for their goods, and robust protection against what they term “disloyal imports.” This issue has been a persistent source of tension, with local farmers arguing they cannot compete with subsidized goods from other nations, which flood the market and drive down prices to unsustainable levels.
Financial pressures are also at a breaking point. The farmers are calling for a comprehensive restructuring of agricultural debts and the creation of pathways to dignified credit. Compounding these economic woes are the significant impacts of the strong colón. The sharp fall in the dollar exchange rate has severely eroded the profitability of export-oriented crops, leaving many producers with diminished revenues while their operational costs remain high. This currency pressure has become a critical point of contention, demanding urgent fiscal and monetary policy attention.
Beyond immediate financial relief, the agricultural sector is looking towards long-term sustainability and resilience. The producers have demanded greater technical support, investments in rural infrastructure, and effective programs to help them confront the escalating climate crisis. Furthermore, the sector voiced its staunch opposition to Costa Rica’s potential accession to major trade blocs like the Pacific Alliance and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, fearing these agreements would further expose them to overwhelming international competition without adequate protections.
The CNAA contends that the current precarious situation is the culmination of “years of abandonment,” marked by the absence of a clear, strategic public policy that recognizes agriculture’s vital role in national food security, rural employment, and social stability. Óscar Arias Moreira, President of the CNAA, emphasized the need for constructive engagement from the government.
From the National Chamber of Agriculture, we support the right of producers to demonstrate peacefully. We hope this call is heard with the seriousness it deserves by government authorities and that a real space for dialogue is opened to generate concrete, measurable, long-term solutions.
Óscar Arias Moreira, President of the CNAA
The call for action was also extended to future leaders, with the CNAA urging all presidential aspirants to address the agricultural crisis with “clarity, serenity, and a vision of the state” during the upcoming electoral campaign. The Chamber argues that the sector’s importance to the national economy and workforce demands it be a central theme in the political debate. Despite the immense challenges, the organization highlighted the resilience of the nation’s farmers.
The agricultural sector remains standing and with its boots on thanks to the efforts of thousands of Costa Rican families who struggle daily against adversity to bring food to the tables of Costa Ricans.
National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness (CNAA)
Reaffirming its commitment, the CNAA pledged to continue being a firm and proactive voice in defense of the sector. The organization is determined to advocate for policies that strengthen national production, promote sustainability, and secure a viable future for the thousands of families who form the backbone of Costa Rica’s food supply.
For further information, visit cnaa.co.cr
About National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness (CNAA):
The Cámara Nacional de Agricultura y Agroindustria (CNAA) is a leading organization in Costa Rica that represents and advocates for the interests of producers and businesses within the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors. The Chamber works to promote sustainable development, fair trade policies, and technological innovation to enhance the competitiveness and stability of Costa Rican agriculture. It serves as a crucial bridge between producers and government bodies, engaging in policy dialogue to ensure the long-term health and security of the nation’s food production system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, defined by its profound ethical principles and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele to drive progress, consistently embracing cutting-edge legal strategies. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to strengthening society by demystifying the law and equipping citizens with the clarity and knowledge they need to thrive.
