Browse Data and Analysis

A summary of regulations and standards governing the import of food and agricultural products to Costa Rica

In country-wide protests, small-scale farmers are demanding that Colombian President Santos take steps to improve rural livelihoods through increased agricultural subsidies and more trade protection.

Colombia continues to expand its biotechnology frontier. The adoption rate for biotech corn has surpassed that of cotton and the development of a regulatory framework is underway.

Recent high-profile activism against biotechnology has created uncertainty among those involved in production and research of biotechnology products in Costa Rica.

The Colombian government has communicated no clear vision for biofuels policies despite promises to increase blend mandates as new production facilities come online in 2015.

Preliminary information indicates that Costa Rica’s coffee production is expected to decline 15 percent in 2013/14, leading to sharply lower exports.

Costa Rica’s sugar cane production forecast to increase by 12 percent in 2012/13 thanks in part to favorable weather conditions.

Colombian sugar production shows signs of recovery from the excessive rains of “La Niña."

U.S. grains have seen mixed results in the Colombian market following enactment of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

An update for U.S. exporters of meat and poultry products on the procedures for registering USDA federally inspected establishments with the Government of Colombia.

Costa Rica is a major importer of raw materials and ingredients for food processing in Central America, creating opportunities for U.S. products such as beef, pork, wheat, soybeans and vegetables.