A female Mediterranean fruit fly pumps eggs through her ovipositor into the soft outer layers of a ripe coffee berry. Coffee is one of Costa Rica's prime exports
In 2011 National Geographic had a photo contest and ironically one of the winners in the nature category was a picture of a fruit fly resting on a green coffee bean in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Obviously unknown to the photographer, it implicated one of Costa Rica’s worst nightmares is alive, well, and continues to threaten Costa Rica’s multimillion dollar agriculture business.
The Mediterranean fruit fly, is one of the world’s most destructive fruit pests. This pest attacks more than 260 different fruits, flowers, vegetables and nuts and causes billions of dollars in damages.
It was in 1955 the Mediterranean fruit fly first invaded Costa Rica and did over $2 million in damages, or in today’s dollar, around $20 million. And back in 1955, the agriculture business was only a fraction of what it is today. With said, Costa Rica has taken massive steps to combat any infestation and has established detection procedures so that the pest does not make Costa Rica its home. Read more... (522 words, 2 images, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)
One again, as the New Year gets started, Costa Rican’s will find themselves paying more to the government.
Ticos by nature are non-aggressive, but this time the government may experience what American’s have seen, “country wide protests” and what some of the Bloggers are writing about, “WTF – The don’t understand land!”
Starting today (Jan 1, 2012) Costa Rica will see ( to name the few) higher traffic Fines, increase in tolls, and new tax(es), particularly on corporations, which is caused a bit of confusion.
Traffic Fines and Vehicle Registration
Just about all traffic fines will go up on average ¢44.000 colones. And for the existing high fines that have not been paid, expect a hike of 14%. In other words, a ¢316.000 fine suddenly becomes ¢360.000.
Private cars and Motorcycles will pay on between 30% to 43% more for registration and general taxes.
Traffic fines can be paid at some banks, but then again, find a bank open on Sunday and without a mile long line, and if you can’t pay, one had better keep a sharp eye for a Tránsito official who will be looking for that missing 2012 sticker on your windshield. Read more... (613 words, 3 images, estimated 2:27 mins reading time)
Starting in Jan, 2012 the monthly fishing license will be discontinued and fees will go up.
In the past, tourist and nonresident anglers could pick whether or not they wanted a monthly ($13 USD) and/or yearly fishing license ($25 USD). Considering that most anglers come to fish once a year (about 98%) they’d pick the cheaper. Fishermen who don’t know this in advance have been known to get a little upset at having to shell out cash at the dock to get one before they set forth on a $1200/day sport fisher charter. Fishing licenses are not usually included on a charter and have to be paid for when on the docks.
But soon that will change – affective Jan 1, 2011 sport fishing licenses will go up in price. And [most importantly] Costa Rica will no longer provide the low-cost monthly fishing license, instead, they will force anglers to buy the more expensive yearly license at $30 USD.
Costa Rican Fisheries Institute (Incopesca) claims the price hikes and single yearly license are necessary due to the rising cost of administrating the fishing license system. Read more... (713 words, 2 images, estimated 2:51 mins reading time)
President Laura Chinchilla
I don’t know if it is just me, but it seems like every time you turn around Costa Rica is having some sort of labor strike.
Last Monday, about 2000 union workers of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) (government monopoly on power and light company) went on strike, and snarled traffic on several major streets in and around San Jose. They were protesting a bill in the Legislative Assembly to privatize the generation of electricity.
And back in July a meeting was held between the union and officials of the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS) over a strike that centered on reduction of benefits.
So … what could this be telling us?
First, let go to the political party of National Liberation Party, in which ex President Óscar Arias (May 2006-2010) and current President Laura Chinchilla are political members. The National Liberation Party supports [to a point] privatization, which has only been tolerable by unions in this small but creditable Central American country. After Arias, many were saying [because of privatization] it would put an end to National Liberation Party’s, needless to say, they were proven wrong when Chinchilla was voted in, keeping the party in power until 2014. Its evident both were voted into power to help reduce government waste and to promote economical growth. Read more... (719 words, 2 images, estimated 2:53 mins reading time)
Coffee has always played a major role in Costa Rica’s history and economy. Up until a few years ago it was Costa Rica’s #1 exported and very commercialized product. The largest growing areas are in the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas, and Cartago. It is grown just about everywhere in Costa Rica.
Even if I like all the commercial brands like Cafe Milagro and Britt, I really prefer the tiny low-volume farm-specific coffee producers who now keep their lots separate, and either sells just the beans and/or mills it themselves where they keep total control of the process with the best possible flavors and prices. One can still buy a kilo (2.2lbs) of coffee between 3-$6 USD. The San Jose Central Mercado has several coffee retailers that offer local prices.
Costa Rica coffee is considered some of the best in the world. It is high in caffeine, very good body, exquisite aroma and excellent acidity. With said, it is often blended with inferior varieties. Many of the US store brand coffees have a mixture of Costa Rica beans.
Costa Rica has six coffee regions, West Valley, Tarrazu, Tres Rios, Orosi, Brunca and Turrialba. The coffee is grown in varies altitudes from 2400-5500 feet and each has their signature tastes. Read more... (492 words, 2 images, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)
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