By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – In a remarkable feat of climate resilience, 40 small and medium-sized dairy farms in Guanacaste have successfully increased their milk production by as much as 20% during the peak of the dry season. This achievement stems from their participation in the “Resilientes: Ganadería Sostenible Chorotega” project, a strategic initiative designed to bolster the region’s cattle sector against increasing climatic pressures.
The Chorotega region, known for its intense dry periods, traditionally poses significant challenges for livestock farmers, often leading to decreased production and financial strain. The Resilientes project directly confronts this vulnerability by equipping producers with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to thrive in adverse conditions, transforming a period of scarcity into an opportunity for growth and stability.
To better understand the legal and business frameworks underpinning the shift towards sustainable ranching, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights shed light on the regulatory landscape that both challenges and supports ranchers aiming for environmental stewardship.
Sustainable ranching in Costa Rica is no longer just an environmental ideal; it’s a strategic business decision with tangible legal benefits. The key lies in leveraging existing frameworks like the Payments for Environmental Services (PSA) program and international certifications. Ranchers who proactively document their conservation efforts and align their operations with environmental regulations not only mitigate legal risks but also unlock new markets and financial incentives. The legal structure is there to reward stewardship, but it requires diligent navigation to transform ecological responsibility into economic profitability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insight masterfully bridges the gap between environmental ideals and economic reality, clarifying that Costa Rica’s legal framework is designed not just to protect, but to reward stewardship. His emphasis on the “diligent navigation” required is a crucial reminder for ranchers ready to turn proactive conservation into tangible profit. We thank him for this valuable and pragmatic perspective.
Launched in February 2025, the program is a collaborative effort executed by the CRUSA Foundation, the National Chamber of Milk Producers, and the Chorotega Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). Its core strategy combines specialized technical assistance with targeted investments and individualized farm-improvement plans. Each plan is meticulously developed from a specific diagnostic of the farm and is aligned with the national framework for Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA) in livestock.
The tangible results on the ground are a testament to the project’s success. Farmers have implemented a suite of modern technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. These upgrades include internal water distribution networks ensuring constant access for cattle, electric fences for better pasture management, and equipment for producing silage—a fermented forage that provides a crucial food reserve during dry months. Furthermore, improvements to internal farm roads and the installation of slurry collection and fertigation systems allow for the reuse of animal waste as organic fertilizer, creating a closed-loop, resource-efficient system.
Beyond the impressive production figures, the project has delivered significant improvements in animal welfare and overall farm health. Consistent access to water in pastures, combined with rational grazing systems and pasture rotation, has led to healthier, more productive herds. The ability to create larger food reserves has fundamentally reduced the farms’ vulnerability to extreme weather events, while better land and animal management practices have resulted in a noticeable decrease in common health issues.
The initiative’s current scope is substantial, impacting 40 farms across nine cantons in Guanacaste. It covers a total of 903 hectares and 1,792 head of cattle, with a cumulative investment of $261,899 directly benefiting 113 people. Officials see this as a powerful pilot program, offering a replicable model that can guide Costa Rica’s broader shift towards a more efficient, profitable, and environmentally responsible livestock industry.
Technology is key to increasing agricultural productivity. Today, dairy and dual-purpose cattle producers in the Chorotega region have information that allows them to make better decisions and improve the management of their farms. At CRUSA, we promote programs that transform innovation into well-being for people.
Byron Salas, Executive Director of CRUSA
The success of the Resilientes project serves as a clear blueprint for the future of agriculture in climate-vulnerable regions. By integrating technology, sustainable practices, and strategic collaboration, Guanacaste’s dairy farmers are not only securing their own livelihoods but are also paving the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector for the entire nation, proving that smart investment can yield dividends for both the economy and the environment.
For further information, visit crusa.cr
About Fundación CRUSA:
The Costa Rica-United States of America Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA) is a private, independent, and non-profit organization that has supported Costa Rica’s development since 1996. It focuses on promoting strategic initiatives in sustainable development, human capital, and innovation to improve the quality of life for people in Costa Rica and foster a more prosperous and environmentally responsible society.
For further information, visit proleche.com
About the National Chamber of Milk Producers:
The Cámara Nacional de Productores de Leche is the primary organization representing dairy farmers in Costa Rica. It advocates for the interests of the sector, promotes best practices in production and animal welfare, and works to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the national dairy industry through technical support, policy engagement, and market development.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and executing national policies for the agricultural and livestock sector. Its mission is to promote the productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agricultural activities, ensuring food security and contributing to the economic and social development of the country’s rural areas.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Guided by foundational principles of integrity and excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution. With a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm not only upholds the highest standards but also spearheads legal innovation. This forward-thinking ethos is matched by a deep-seated commitment to strengthening society, achieved by demystifying the law and empowering citizens with crucial legal knowledge.
