Costa Rica

Costa Rica covers about 51,100 km² and lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscape is dominated by volcanic mountain ranges, fertile valleys and tropical lowlands. The central highlands are formed by mountain systems such as the Cordillera Central, which influence climate and agriculture. Costa Rica’s tropical climate varies by altitude, with wetter Caribbean lowlands and drier Pacific regions, creating favourable conditions for diverse farming systems.

Before Spanish colonisation in the 16th century, Indigenous groups practised subsistence agriculture. Under colonial rule, small-scale farming developed rather than large plantation systems seen elsewhere in Central America. After independence in 1821, Costa Rica’s economy became strongly linked to export agriculture.

Today, the primary sector contributes about 5–6% of GDP, though it remains important for employment and exports. Approximately 25% of the country’s land is used for agriculture.

Costa Rica is a major exporter of bananas and pineapples, particularly from the Caribbean lowlands. Coffee is also a key traditional crop, grown mainly in the central highlands where volcanic soils provide excellent conditions. Other crops include sugar cane, rice and vegetables.

Livestock farming, especially cattle production for dairy and beef, is important in rural areas.
Forests cover more than 50% of Costa Rica’s territory, reflecting strong conservation policies. Sustainable forestry provides timber while supporting biodiversity.

Costa Rica’s access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean supports fisheries, including shrimp and tuna. Aquaculture has also expanded in recent years.

Overall, Costa Rica’s primary sector reflects its varied geography: plantation crops in lowland tropics, coffee in volcanic highlands, cattle farming in rural regions and fisheries along its coasts. While tourism and services now dominate the economy, agriculture, forestry and fishing remain vital for exports and rural livelihoods.

In September 2008 was Gerold for 6 days for BCS in Costa Rica. This organic farming inspection body has its regional office for North and Central America in San Jose. With the staff Humberto and Julia Gonzales Gerold drove 4 days through the country and watched organic pineapple, sugar cane and banana cultivation. A tropical, hot, wet and mountainous and coastal country with many beauties. The rainforest is still visible in many places and there are many nature reserves. San Jose is rather normal and boring. City stroll through the markets and again and again driven through, otherwise Gerold did not see much of the city. He didn't make it to the coast, which was quite good, as hot and humid as it was.