The agricultural sector in Costa Rica is struggling with many producers struggling to repay loans due to high input costs, lower market prices and a lack of government policies to support them.
As in many other countries the prices of vegetables such as potatoes (+134%), onions (+52%), carrots (+72% and cabbage (+77%) have increased substantially due to lower local production and availability. Farmers are also reportedly losing their houses and selling off to move to cities.
Local Costa Rican farmers unions say there is no policy of support to save farms and offer better loan terms etc. They say there is no rescue plan for agriculture while they fear for the long term future of the industry.