Costa Rica

BEST COFFEE IN THE WORLD

Costa Rican Coffee is considered the best coffee in the world. With a land area of only 51.100 km2 (0.03% of the planet’s surface) and 589.000 km2 of territorial waters, Costa Rica is one of the 20 countries with greatest biodiversity in the world. Its geographic position, two coasts and a volcanic mountainous system provide numerous and varied microclimates which explain this natural wealth, both in terms of species and ecosystems. The more than 500,000 species that are found in this small country represent nearly 5% of the total species estimated worldwide.

The Government of Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies within all Latin American countries. It enjoys one of the most stable and progressive economies in the area, with no army or military force by law since 1948.

Costa Rican coffee is grown in volcanic and low-acidic fertile soil, conditions ideal for production. More than 80% of the coffee area is located between 800 and 1,900 meters (2,625 feet-6,235 feet) above sea level. Temperatures go between 17 and 30ºC (62.6ºF-86ºF), with annual precipitation between 2,000 and 3,000 millimeters (79 inches-118 inches).

In most Costa Rican coffee plantations there is interspersed shade.  This has several positive effects: the decomposition of the leaves returns abundant organic matter to the soil. Additionally, high-slope plantations help prevent erosion. Coffee farms are, after natural forests, the second largest “forest” in Costa Rica, contributing to the conservation of watersheds and cleaning the environment.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable coffee in Costa Rica is produced in farms with high biological diversity and low agrochemical applications. The process conserves resources while protecting the environment, and strengthens the quality of life of farmers and society as a whole.

In order to reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector and expand sustainable coffee production in the future, the government of Costa Rica is implementing a coffee NAMA (NAMA Café) through a participatory process between 2011 and 2021.