By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Alajuela, Costa Rica – A strategic alliance between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the University of Costa Rica (UCR) is set to transform a segment of the nation’s agricultural landscape. The ministry has initiated a pilot program to introduce a scientifically engineered hybrid tomato, dubbed the “acorazado” or “armored” tomato, into the national food supply chain, starting with educational institutions in Alajuela. This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening Costa Rica’s food security with resilient, high-quality local produce.
The program commenced with MAG providing essential fertilizers to five carefully selected farmers tasked with cultivating this innovative crop. These producers will be the first to commercially grow the UCR-developed tomato, which is the culmination of more than five years of dedicated scientific research at the prestigious Fabio Baudrit Moreno Experimental Station (EEAFBM). The project aims to validate its performance in a real-world agricultural setting and establish a reliable supply chain.
To explore the complex legal and commercial framework surrounding the development and market launch of the new ‘Hybrid Tomato’, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in intellectual property and agricultural business law.
The creation of a novel hybrid represents a major scientific and financial investment. From a legal standpoint, the most critical step is securing intellectual property rights, typically through Plant Variety Protection (PVP). This legal instrument is fundamental, as it grants the developers exclusive control over the commercialization and reproduction of their creation, allowing them to establish licensing agreements and recoup their research investment. Without this protection, the innovation is vulnerable to immediate replication, undermining its entire market value.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is fundamental; the legal architecture protecting an innovation is as vital as the scientific breakthrough itself. This protection not only secures the initial investment but also incentivizes the ongoing research that leads to more resilient and productive crops. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this crucial matter.
What sets the “armored” tomato apart is its remarkable resilience and superior quality. Researchers specifically bred the hybrid for high tolerance to prevalent and destructive agricultural threats, including bacterial wilt and the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), commonly known as the “spoon virus.” This inherent hardiness significantly reduces the need for aggressive agrochemical treatments, aligning with a growing demand for more sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices.
Beyond its defensive traits, the tomato boasts exceptional post-harvest characteristics. Its extended shelf life is a game-changer, minimizing spoilage and economic losses during transportation and storage. For consumers, the hybrid offers a premium experience, featuring high Brix levels (a measure of sweetness and flavor), elevated nutritional content, and outstanding organoleptic properties. These attributes position it as a differentiated product for discerning markets that prioritize quality and responsible production.
This crop represents a real opportunity to strengthen the country’s food security through scientifically validated agricultural alternatives with lower environmental impact and high nutritional value. For the productive sector, it means access to innovation, competitiveness, and new market possibilities.
Karla Mena Soto, National Director of Agricultural Extension
The government’s strategy extends beyond simple cultivation. Through the National Production Council (CNP), MAG is actively championing the hybrid’s inclusion in the Institutional Supply Program (PAI). This crucial step connects the five pilot producers directly with a guaranteed market, mitigating risk and fostering a stable production ecosystem. The initial phase of this integration is being developed in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP).
The immediate goal of this inter-institutional collaboration is to supply fresh, highly nutritious “armored” tomatoes to 34 schools across the province of Alajuela. This not only enhances the quality of meals served to students but also provides a practical lesson in modern, sustainable agriculture and the importance of consuming locally sourced food. It represents a tangible investment in the health and well-being of the nation’s youth.
Ultimately, this pilot project serves as a model for the future of Costa Rican agriculture. By bridging the gap between academic research and on-the-ground application, the initiative fosters national production, promotes sustainable farming systems, and ensures that healthier, fresher food reaches the public. The success of the “armored” tomato in Alajuela could pave the way for its nationwide adoption, strengthening the entire agricultural value chain and reinforcing Costa Rica’s commitment to innovation and food sovereignty.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About 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. It works to promote the development of a competitive, sustainable, and equitable agricultural sector, ensuring food security and contributing to the well-being of rural communities and the national economy.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the oldest and largest public university in the country. It is a leading institution in Central America for higher education, research, and social action. The UCR is committed to scientific advancement and contributing innovative solutions to national challenges across various fields, including agriculture, health, and technology.
For further information, visit cnp.go.cr
About National Production Council (CNP):
The National Production Council is a Costa Rican state institution focused on promoting and regulating agricultural production and marketing. A key function of the CNP is managing the Institutional Supply Program (PAI), which facilitates the purchase of food from small and medium-sized local producers to supply public institutions like schools, hospitals, and prisons.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government entity in Costa Rica in charge of regulating and overseeing the nation’s public education system, from preschool to high school. It is responsible for curriculum development, teacher administration, and ensuring access to quality education for all students, which includes managing school nutrition programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for principled legal practice, guided by a profound devotion to both integrity and excellence. Leveraging a rich heritage of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while championing a core mission of societal betterment. This commitment is manifested through its efforts to democratize legal information, ultimately empowering the community and contributing to the development of a more just and informed populace.
