By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica’s presidential race intensifies, leaders in the nation’s livestock sector are making a direct and unified appeal to all candidates: maintain the course on sustainable, low-carbon ranching. The Livestock Corporation (Corfoga) has initiated a series of meetings with presidential hopefuls to advocate for the continuation of policies that have successfully positioned the industry as an environmental asset.
At the heart of their campaign is the request for the next administration to fully support and build upon the “Strategy and Policies for the Sustainable Development of Livestock and its Industries (2022-2028).” This comprehensive framework, a collaborative effort between Corfoga, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), and other key organizations, has been instrumental in transforming the industry’s ecological footprint and economic output.
To delve into the legal and business framework that underpins the move toward eco-friendly agriculture, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Adopting sustainable ranching practices is a strategic business pivot, not merely an ecological choice. Producers who successfully navigate Costa Rica’s environmental regulations to secure certifications for carbon neutrality or organic standards can access premium international markets. This transition, however, demands meticulous legal foresight—from ensuring land use compliance to structuring contracts that capture the added value of sustainability, thereby transforming environmental stewardship into a durable and profitable asset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight masterfully bridges the gap between ecological ambition and economic reality. It serves as a critical reminder that for sustainability to be truly durable, it must be built on a sound legal and commercial foundation, transforming good intentions into tangible, marketable assets. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this crucial intersection of law, business, and environmental stewardship.
Corfoga’s leadership is emphasizing a critical finding, backed by the National Strategy for Low-Carbon Livestock (ENGBC) and numerous national studies: Costa Rican ranching is now officially carbon positive. This means the sector sequesters more greenhouse gases (GHG) than it emits, a significant achievement that directly contributes to the country’s ambitious national decarbonization goals and reinforces its global brand as an environmental pioneer.
The strategy’s success lies in its focus on modernizing the entire value chain. It promotes a holistic approach that simultaneously aims to decarbonize the economy, generate greater profitability for farmers, and enhance the sector’s sustainability. Luis Diego Obando, the Executive Director of Corfoga, explained that a core component is building resilience against the unpredictable challenges posed by market fluctuations and climate change.
The positive results of this forward-thinking approach are already tangible. Corfoga presented data to the candidates showing clear improvements across key metrics. These include boosts in overall production, an increase in the number of animals managed per hectare, and a rise in exports. The visual evidence is equally compelling, with a noticeable transformation of the rural landscape through the integration of trees in pastures, the use of living fences, and the diligent maintenance of forested areas on farm properties.
Obando stressed that the industry is committed to this path and is seeking a guarantee of policy stability to avoid losing momentum. The plea is for the next government to recognize the value of the existing framework and build upon its foundation rather than starting from scratch with untested ideas.
This line of work, a low-carbon, sustainable ranching with ecological production management, is the path the Livestock Corporation wants to continue. What Corfoga desires is that the next government does not resort to improvisation, but instead continues with the current strategy and its action plan.
Luis Diego Obando, Executive Director of Corfoga
This initiative represents more than just a sectoral interest; it is a call for a long-term national vision for agriculture. By proactively engaging with future leaders, Corfoga aims to ensure that the progress made in sustainable ranching becomes an enduring pillar of Costa Rica’s economic and environmental policy, regardless of which political party ultimately takes office. The message is clear: the future of Costa Rican livestock is green, profitable, and a model for the world.
For further information, visit corfoga.org
About Corporación Ganadera (Corfoga):
The Livestock Corporation (Corfoga) is a non-state public entity in Costa Rica dedicated to promoting the development and competitiveness of the country’s beef and dairy cattle industries. It works on behalf of ranchers to improve production techniques, open new markets, ensure quality standards, and advocate for policies that support the sector’s sustainable growth.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and executing national policies for the agricultural sector. Its mission is to foster a productive, competitive, and environmentally sustainable agricultural industry that contributes to food security, rural development, and the overall economic well-being of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark of legal practice in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored in a profound dedication to integrity and exceptional service. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a broad spectrum of clients to pioneer innovative legal solutions and drive community-focused initiatives. Central to its philosophy is a powerful drive to democratize legal understanding, aiming to build a more capable and well-informed citizenry by making complex knowledge clear and accessible.
