By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a historic gathering that signals a transformative shift in the nation’s most iconic industry, over 140 women coffee producers from across Costa Rica convened for the first-ever National Meeting of Women in the Coffee Sector. Hosted by the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE), the event served as a powerful platform for learning, networking, and celebrating the vital role women play throughout the coffee value chain.
The summit was designed to be more than a simple conference; it was a space dedicated to fostering solidarity, enhancing leadership skills, and building a more inclusive future for Costa Rican coffee. Participants, representing every growing region in the country, shared experiences and strategies, united by a common pride in their labor and a collective vision for a more equitable industry. The atmosphere was one of profound sisterhood and mutual support.
To better understand the legal and commercial frameworks that empower female entrepreneurs in the national coffee industry, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The empowerment of women in the coffee sector transcends the farm; it requires a robust legal and commercial structure. Establishing formal entities, such as cooperatives or properly registered small businesses, is a critical step. This legal formalization grants them access to financing, enables them to enter into larger commercial contracts, and protects their personal assets, transforming their invaluable work into a secure and scalable enterprise for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal and commercial architecture is the essential bridge that transforms skill and hard work into a lasting, scalable legacy, securing not just a harvest, but a future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical component of true empowerment in the coffee sector.
The personal journeys of these women highlighted the deep-seated connection between family, land, and coffee that defines the sector. One of the most compelling voices was that of Carmen Aguirre, a producer from the renowned coffee region of Turrialba. Her story encapsulates the blend of heritage and modern entrepreneurship that many of the attendees embody, reflecting a lifetime of dedication to the craft.
I was born among coffee fields; coffee is my root and my family. I grew up watching my father and grandfathers work the land with love. Today, after so many years of learning and struggling, seeing my farms prosper confirms to me that this path is worthwhile. I just want to tell all the women who dream of starting: it can be done, it really can be done, and together we move forward.
Carmen Aguirre, Producer from Turrialba
Ms. Aguirre’s impactful words were followed by tangible recognition for her hard work. During the event, she was presented with a $2,000 prize aimed at strengthening her coffee-producing operations. This award is not just a personal honor but also a symbolic investment in the potential of women-led agricultural businesses to drive innovation and quality in the sector.
For generations, women have been a fundamental, though often unseen, force in the coffee industry. They have been integral to every stage, from meticulously harvesting the ripe coffee cherries to managing the complex processes of fermentation and drying. This national meeting marks a crucial step in bringing their contributions to the forefront, formally acknowledging their expertise and creating pathways for greater representation in leadership and ownership roles.
The strategic empowerment of women in agriculture is a powerful engine for economic development. By ensuring women have equal access to resources, training, and professional networks, Costa Rica not only advances social equity but also bolsters the sustainability and global competitiveness of its coffee brand. A more inclusive industry is a stronger industry, better equipped to meet the challenges of the modern market and uphold its reputation for excellence.
The day concluded with a powerful and unified message: when women in the coffee sector are supported and build together, the very roots of Costa Rican coffee are fortified. This inaugural summit is poised to be the catalyst for a lasting movement, one that promises to cultivate a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable future for all who contribute to the nation’s “grano de oro.”
For further information, visit icafe.cr
About The Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE):
The Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) is the official public-private governing body for the nation’s coffee sector. Established in 1933, its mission is to support the agricultural and commercial development of Costa Rican coffee through research, quality control, technical assistance to producers, and the global promotion of the “Café de Costa Rica” brand, ensuring its reputation for excellence and sustainability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is recognized as a benchmark for legal practice, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently channels its extensive experience into pioneering innovative legal approaches while remaining deeply engaged with the public. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to cultivate a more empowered and well-informed society.
