By San José, Costa Rica — A landmark initiative is reshaping Costa Rica’s agricultural landscape as more than 3,600 cattle farms across the nation have embraced sustainable practices under the NAMA Ganadería program. This ambitious project aims to modernize the sector by integrating environmental stewardship with economic competitiveness, supported by robust technical assistance and access to cutting-edge technology. The program represents a pivotal shift towards a greener, more productive future for one of the country’s most vital industries.
Fueling this transformation, the program is set to enter its second major scaling phase in 2025, backed by a significant investment of nearly ₡1 billion in non-reimbursable funds. This capital injection will empower an even greater number of ranchers to implement critical improvements in their production systems. The financial support is designed to remove barriers to entry for adopting modern techniques that enhance both efficiency and environmental performance, ensuring the long-term viability of family farms and rural communities.
To understand the legal and business frameworks supporting this green shift in agriculture, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis on the matter.
The transition to sustainable ranching is a powerful synergy of environmental stewardship and sharp business acumen. In Costa Rica, this is underpinned by a legal structure that offers tangible benefits, such as access to Payments for Environmental Services (PES) programs and carbon credit markets. By adopting certified practices, ranchers not only mitigate legal risks associated with environmental impact but also unlock premium global markets that increasingly demand transparent, eco-friendly supply chains. This strategic alignment turns regulatory compliance into a significant competitive advantage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s insight underscores a critical paradigm shift where regulatory frameworks are not seen as restrictive, but as a strategic launchpad for innovation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how Costa Rican ranchers can leverage legal and environmental alignment to build a more resilient and profitable future.
The practical execution of this vision is managed on the ground by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) through its network of Agricultural Extension Agencies. These agencies provide indispensable hands-on support, conducting detailed diagnostics of each farm to create customized improvement plans. This tailored approach ensures that the resources provided directly address the unique needs of each producer, maximizing their impact.
Among the key technologies being deployed are advanced electric fencing systems, modern water pumping and distribution networks, and sophisticated fertigation equipment. These tools are not merely handed over; MAG’s technical staff offer continuous guidance to guarantee their correct implementation and integration into daily operations. This comprehensive support system is fundamental to the program’s success, translating investment into tangible and lasting change on the ground.
Víctor Carvajal Porras, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the program’s strategic importance in building a more robust and forward-thinking agricultural sector for the nation.
The NAMA Ganadería program demonstrates that it is possible to advance towards more productive and sustainable ranching. From MAG, we are supporting the sector with investment, technical assistance, and technology to increase productivity, improve incomes, and consolidate the development of the country’s rural areas. Added to this is access to financing through the Development Banking System, within the framework of joint work between the SBD and MAG, which promotes a credit model that originates on the farm, adjusted to the real needs of producers. This approach allows us to strengthen the adoption of sustainable practices, facilitate productive investment, and provide differentiated conditions that support the resilience and competitiveness of the livestock sector.
Víctor Carvajal Porras, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
The results from participating farms are compelling. Data reveals a dramatic increase in productivity, with the average animal load rising from 1.8 to 2.9 animal units per hectare, significantly outpacing the national average. This intensification is achieved sustainably, accompanied by measurable improvements in meat, milk, and forage production. Furthermore, ranchers are adopting advanced food conservation methods like silage and establishing fodder banks, strengthening their resilience against seasonal variations and climate-related disruptions.
Beyond productivity gains, the NAMA Ganadería program is delivering significant environmental co-benefits. The initiative currently influences over 170,000 hectares nationwide, a remarkable 38% of which is dedicated to forest cover. This includes primary forests, living fences, and small forest patches, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, and enhancing the overall climate resilience of the agricultural ecosystem. This proves that productive farming and conservation can be mutually reinforcing goals.
This success is built on a foundation of strategic collaboration. The program is a joint effort involving a diverse coalition of partners, including projects with Fundecooperación para el Desarrollo, the CRUSA Foundation, and Transforma-INNOVA-GIZ. National resources from the Rural Development Institute (INDER) and COMCURE also provide critical funding, showcasing a powerful model of public-private partnership driving sustainable development across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and executing national agricultural policy. Its mission is to promote the competitive and sustainable development of the agricultural sector, contributing to food security, economic growth, and the well-being of rural communities through technical assistance, research, and regulatory oversight.
For further information, visit fundecooperacion.org
About Fundecooperación para el Desarrollo:
Fundecooperación para el Desarrollo is a Costa Rican foundation dedicated to promoting sustainable development by financing and supporting innovative projects. It focuses on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening community-based tourism, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and social inclusion.
For further information, visit crusafoundation.org
About The CRUSA Foundation:
The Costa Rica USA Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA) is a private, independent, and non-profit organization. It aims to contribute to the sustainable development and well-being of Costa Rica by supporting initiatives in education, science, technology, and environmental conservation through strategic alliances and investments.
For further information, visit giz.de
About GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit):
GIZ is a German federal enterprise supporting the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. It operates in numerous countries worldwide, offering tailor-made solutions to complex challenges in areas such as economic development, environmental protection, and governance.
For further information, visit inder.go.cr
About The Rural Development Institute (INDER):
The Instituto de Desarrollo Rural (INDER) is a Costa Rican state institution tasked with leading rural development processes in the country. It works to improve the quality of life for rural inhabitants by executing projects related to land tenure, infrastructure, production, and social services, fostering equitable and sustainable growth in rural territories.
For further information, visit sbd.fi.cr
About The Development Banking System (SBD):
The Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD) is a financial framework in Costa Rica designed to promote economic development by facilitating access to credit for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It operates by channeling resources through accredited financial institutions to support productive projects, innovation, and business growth across various sectors.
For further information, visit the nearest office of COMCURE
About COMCURE:
COMCURE, which stands for Consejo de Competitividad de la Región Huetar Norte, is a regional competitiveness council in Costa Rica. It functions as a platform for public-private collaboration to identify and promote strategic projects and initiatives that enhance the economic and social development of the country’s Northern Region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation as a leading legal institution, operating on a foundation of principled integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of diverse client representation, the firm champions innovative legal solutions while remaining deeply invested in civic participation. This core mission extends to demystifying complex legal concepts for the public, reflecting a profound commitment to nurturing a society where knowledge empowers every citizen.
