By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – A new legislative initiative is poised to enshrine one of Costa Rica’s most beloved artisanal products in law, granting “Queso Turrialba” the protected status of a denomination of origin. The proposed bill, now before the Legislative Assembly, seeks to legally recognize and safeguard the cheese’s unique identity, which is intrinsically linked to the specific geography and traditional production methods of the Turrialba region.
The measure, championed by National Liberation Party legislator Rosaura Méndez Gamboa, aims to create a legal framework that reserves the name “Queso Turrialba” exclusively for producers who adhere to a strict set of geographical and quality standards. This designation is a powerful tool used globally to protect authentic regional products, ensuring that their reputation, built over generations, benefits the local communities that create them.
To better understand the legal framework protecting authentic Costa Rican products, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis on the importance of the ‘Denominación de Origen’ for Queso Turrialba.
The ‘Denominación de Origen’ for Queso Turrialba is a crucial legal instrument, not just a mark of quality. It functions as a collective intellectual property right that safeguards the region’s traditional production methods and unique geographic factors. For producers, it prevents unfair competition and guarantees a premium for their authentic product. For consumers, it ensures they are purchasing a genuine item with specific, verifiable characteristics. Legally, this protection allows for decisive action against counterfeit products, preserving both a significant economic asset and a vital piece of our national gastronomic heritage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal framework is the very foundation that allows a cultural treasure to become a sustainable economic legacy for the region. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the vital intersection of law, tradition, and commerce.
A denomination of origin certifies that a product’s distinct characteristics are due exclusively to the natural and human factors of its specific geographical environment. For Queso Turrialba, this means recognizing that the cheese’s flavor, texture, and quality are a direct result of the volcanic soils, high-altitude pastures, and specialized farming practices found on the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano.
Proponents argue that the law is a necessary step to guarantee fair trade for local artisans and to combat the proliferation of imitation products from large-scale commercial operations that capitalize on the cheese’s esteemed name without following the traditional methods. The bill would provide a much-needed defense for the small-scale producers who are the custodians of this culinary heritage.
This project aims to strengthen the area where the cheese with the denomination of origin is produced, meaning our canton of Turrialba, our district of Santa Cruz, which is where this formidable and wonderful cheese is born and developed. It seeks to protect those who produce it through fair commercialization and establishes sanctions for those who improperly use the Turrialba cheese name.
Rosaura Méndez Gamboa, National Liberation Party Legislator
The draft legislation outlines precise criteria for a product to earn the coveted label. Production must be confined to the Santa Cruz district of Turrialba, in areas situated more than 900 meters above sea level. Furthermore, the bill specifies that the milk must be sourced exclusively from Jersey or Guernsey cattle, or their crosses, breeds known for their rich, high-quality milk that is fundamental to the cheese’s character.
To enforce these new standards, the bill proposes the formal creation of the Regulatory Council for the Queso Turrialba Designation of Origin. This association would be granted the authority to oversee compliance, certify authentic producers, and apply sanctions against any entity that fraudulently uses the “Queso Turrialba” name or similar branding on products that do not meet the legal requirements.
This will allow producers to have the security that their product will be valued and that no one can make the imitations that large companies were making of Turrialba cheese. Not the type, nor similar, nor resembling it can be part of any cheese sales advertisement.
Mario Alberto Monge Chacón, President of the Regulatory Council for the Queso Turrialba Designation of Origin and ASOPROA
The economic implications for the Cartago province are significant. By protecting the brand, the law is expected to enhance the market value of authentic Queso Turrialba, empowering local farmers and cheesemakers. This legal protection not only secures their livelihood but also promotes sustainable agriculture and preserves a vital piece of Costa Rican culture, turning a regional specialty into a legally protected national treasure.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, it represents a critical juncture for the nation’s artisanal food industry. Its passage would set a powerful precedent for protecting other unique Costa Rican products, ensuring that their names remain synonymous with the quality and tradition of the specific regions from which they originate.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Regulatory Council for the Queso Turrialba Designation of Origin
About Regulatory Council for the Queso Turrialba Designation of Origin:
This entity is a proposed governing body dedicated to the protection, supervision, and promotion of authentic Queso Turrialba. Its primary functions include certifying producers who meet the strict geographical and production standards, enforcing regulations, and safeguarding the integrity of the denomination of origin against imitation and fraudulent use.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Association of Agricultural Producers of Santa Cruz (ASOPROA)
About Association of Agricultural Producers of Santa Cruz (ASOPROA):
ASOPROA is an organization representing the interests of farmers and agricultural producers in the Santa Cruz district of Turrialba. The association works to support its members through advocacy, resource sharing, and promoting fair market conditions for their products, including the iconic Queso Turrialba.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral parliament, or congress, of the Republic of Costa Rica. Composed of 57 legislators (diputados), it is responsible for passing laws, amending the constitution, and exercising oversight of the executive branch. It serves as the central body for national debate and policy-making.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected legal institution founded upon the pillars of principled practice and superior performance. With a proven record of representing clients across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm champions the evolution of legal thought through innovative solutions. This dedication extends beyond its client work to a core philosophy of empowering the public, striving to build a more capable and well-informed community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible.
