Celebrating the first GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stop in Costa Rica

The GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stop Costa Rica successfully brought together key stakeholders from across the regional and international agribusiness sector in to share knowledge, trends, and best practices related to certification, sustainability, and responsible agriculture. With over 130 participants representing 10 countries, the event marked the first ever TOUR stop in Costa Rica and the first in Central America since 2019. 

Addressing strategic topics 

A wide range of plenary sessions and panel discussions took place at the TOUR stop, spanning strategic areas for the local agricultural sector. These included an exploration of the GLOBALG.A.P. solutions ecosystem by our experts, including standards such as Primary Farm Assurance (PFA), Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA), and Crops for Processing (CfP).  

Trends and compliance in the context of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) were discussed, including implications for international markets and how producers and exporters can prepare for its implementation. Labor topics in agribusiness were also covered, explaining the importance of supporting fair and safe working conditions as part of comprehensive sustainability efforts at farm level.  

The relevance of regional exports was highlighted, including the opportunities, challenges, and strategies required to strengthen competitiveness of Costa Rican producers in the market.  

Attendees in the plenary of the GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stop Costa Rica

Pablo Leiva from TOUR stop partner and GLOBALG.A.P. Community Member TSI Life Science-Eurofins reflected: “We are honored and pleased to have co-organized the successful TOUR stop in Costa Rica. The event exceeded our expectations, attracting exceptional support from both the public sector – with the participation of the Minister of Agriculture and PROCOMER – and the private sector, with top-level exhibitors from institutions such as the European Union Commission, the National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness (CNAA), and EARTH University, as well as leading companies in the sector such as CORBANA and Fyffes, certifiers such as Mayacert, LSQA, and Naturacert, and international companies such as Bioiberica and Agrosoft, among many others. We are convinced that this event will set a precedent in agricultural development and for GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stops in Latin America”. 

Integration with international markets 

The event brought together producers, exporters, certification bodies, government representatives, service providers, and technical experts and represented a unique networking opportunity to make new connections and discover synergies. 

In the exhibition area, organizations showcased innovative solutions, equipment, technical services, and support programs for the agricultural industry. This space encouraged direct contact between suppliers and users, as well as the exploration of strategic partnerships. 

GLOBALG.A.P. Community Member organization Agrosoft Latam exhibiting at the TOUR stop Costa Rica

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock in Costa Rica, Víctor Julio Carvajal Porras, commented: “This event represented a valuable opportunity to reflect, as a country, on the direction we are taking in agricultural matters and on the role that we have to play as a Ministry to consolidate a more sustainable, competitive national agriculture integrated into international markets. During the day, we shared space with producers, exporters, national and international experts, who agreed on the urgency of continuing to promote good agricultural practices, international certifications, and assurance processes that support safe and responsible food for the environment and for the people who produce it. Our participation in the GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR reaffirms that Costa Rica is on the global radar as a benchmark in agricultural sustainability, and that we must continue to work together with the public sector, the private sector, and producers to sustain that leadership. The event was more than a technical activity; it was a space for building the future”. 

Related links

• Learn more about GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stops and explore our upcoming events in Kenya and India 

• Discover our range of capacity-building activities for producers across the globe 

• Become a GLOBALG.A.P. Community Member and partner with us on events and projects in your region