Agricultural exports

Costa Rica delayed the next steps with a bill that seeks to legalize medical marijuana and the production of hemp.

Costa Rica is taking the next steps with a bill that seeks to legalize medical marijuana and the production of hemp.

Costa Rican exporters of foods mainly sell to Canada: sugar, fruit juices, purees and premix, various types of sauce, and powdered mixes.

The total value of Costa Rican export goods fell by 15 percent last year, though most of that decline is attributed to the 2014 exit of chipmaker Intel.

Exports of goods from Costa Rica during the first nine months of 2015 rose 2.3 percent compared with the same period of 2014 -- if adjusted for the infamous "Intel effect."

Exports to China grew by an annual average of 7.6 percent between 2004 to 2014. Last year exports reached a total of $338.3 million, according to Costa Rica's Foreign Trade Ministry.

Some 300 Costa Rican companies will be offering their products at the fair to 200 buyers from 35 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

One of Holland’s largest orchid growers is poised to build a sophisticated greenhouse in Guatemala to produce the popular, delicate flowers.

Intel's exit from Costa Rica last year continues to be the main factor causing negative growth of export products. Exports of services, however, grew for the fourth consecutive year.

Casa Presidencial promised farmers an official proposal to address their concerns by Wednesday at 3 p.m.