Agroecological alternatives for crop management without use of highly hazardous pesticides in Costa Rica
The “Los Sukias” farm, located in Bebedero, Cañas, Guanacaste, has established itself as a benchmark for large-scale organic agricultural production. With clay and sandy loam soils and access to flood irrigation from the Bebedero River, it primarily grows rice (Oryza sativa L.) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Since 2012, it has transitioned from a conventional model to a regenerative system, completely eliminating the use of agrochemicals and adopting certified agroecological practices under the "EcoArroz" brand. Minimum tillage, crop rotation, mulch, bioinputs, and integrated pest management are pillars of the production model, which improves soil quality and strengthens biodiversity. The benefits of this type of production system are tangible: yields close to eight tons per hectare, reduced production costs compared to conventional agriculture, and higher prices due to its value as an organic product. This has positioned Los Sukias in differentiated markets. Beyond productivity, the model also provides environmental and social benefits: carbon capture, emissions reduction, water retention, and flora and fauna conservation, among others. The Los Sukias experience demonstrates the viability of producing food sustainably, profitably, and ethically, constituting a replicable model that positions agroecology as a climate solution, a real alternative for agricultural production in Costa Rica and a source of inspiration nationwide.
