In a key move to bolster agricultural resilience and support local farming families, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has announced a ¢20 million investment in modern post-harvest infrastructure for onion producers in Tierra Blanca, Cartago.
The funding will construct two state-of-the-art, greenhouse-type drying modules covering 800 square meters each. These specialized structures are designed to precisely control and regulate the moisture reduction process of harvested crops.
Tackling Post-Harvest Losses & Price Volatility
For onion growers in Cartago, humidity control is a constant challenge. Excess moisture can lead to rapid decay, increased discard rates, and lower selling prices.
With this new infrastructure, local farmers will be able to:
- Expand post-harvest handling capacity
- Significantly reduce crop loss
- Achieve higher product quality and better positioning in wholesale markets
Furthermore, MAG highlighted that regulating the supply flow onto the market during peak harvest cycles will help stabilize wholesale prices, curbing sharp price drops that often erode farmer incomes.
“The initiative aims to directly boost farmers’ household earnings by preserving crop quality, curbing waste, and minimizing recurrent operational costs on farms.” — Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG)
Construction Timeline & Operational Impact
The project is on a fast track to assist during key harvest periods:
- First Module: Expected to be completed by October.
- Second Module: Expected to be ready by early November.
These operational dates align with the region’s main crop production cycles, which span from May to July and August to December.
Supporting Local Agricultural Cooperatives
This investment forms part of MAG’s broader action plan to strengthen agricultural organizations and increase the global competitiveness of Costa Rica’s horticultural sector.
Local cooperative Cooperhorti Irazú R.L. welcomed the announcement in MAG’s press release, noting that the new facilities serve as a vital tool to keep onions preserved in optimal condition, enabling producers to leverage market opportunities much more efficiently.
