No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveOrganic Produce Forecast To Have a Strong Future

Organic Produce Forecast To Have a Strong Future

The commercialization of organic products has a promising future in Costa Rica since the large supermarket chains have entered the market, reported a study for the Center for the Investigation of Sustainable Markets (CIMS), a division of the Central American Institute of Business Administration.

 

According to the study’s findings, the supermarkets’ fresh-produce buyers want producers to develop products accordant with the Costa Rican diet, and ensure they can supply a sufficient and consistent volume, the daily La Nación reported.

 

The investigation determined that supermarkets pay 5-25% more for organic than traditionally grown produce, then markup prices 7-71%, though the study found that most try to ensure that the markup for consumers does not exceed 25%.

 

Supermarkets also require organic certification, and while many producers go through this process, others sell their harvests at farmers’ markets without it.

 

Costa Rica’s organic produce sector is growing. According to the National Organic Agriculture Program Web site, in Costa Rica there are 11,000 hectares certified as organic, compared to 9,000 hectares in 1998.

 

Between 2000 and 2003 there was a 13% increase in registered organic producers, from 3,500 to nearly 4000 (TT,March 5, 2004).

 

The increased supply and demand can be seen in the increased outlets for consumers. In addition to supermarkets (TT, May 6, 2005), there are more than 15 farmers’ markets and stands throughout the country, that sell orgzanic produce including in Alajuela, Cartago, Escazú, Puerto Viejo, Turrialba, and Zarcero (TT, March 5, 2004).

 

Popular Articles

How Exchange Rate Changes Affect Costa Rica’s Tourism

As we all are aware Costa Rica's rainforests and beaches draw countless visitors each year, but the strengthening colón now raises costs for dollar-paying...

How Trump’s Tariffs Threaten Costa Rica’s Exports and Jobs

A 10% tariff on imports from Costa Rica, rolled out by the U.S. government in April, could slash the country’s economic growth from 3.6%...

Costa Rica Launches Drone Program to Monitor Crocodile Populations

In Costa Rica, the exact number of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) remains unknown, despite signs of population recovery in recent decades. To address this...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles