This certification represents a key step in building a national network of technical leaders committed to soil health, agricultural productivity and the sustainability of the country's agricultural systems.  

The initiative is promoted by the ACCS, in partnership with the Dos Pinos Milk Producers Cooperative, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the National Livestock Corporation (CORFOGA). These partners have joined forces to drive an innovative model of training and knowledge transfer to the productive sector. 

A farmer-to-farmer training model 

The certified soil doctors’ trainers (3 women and 8 men), who completed the training now take on the task of expanding technical knowledge in their regions. They will train producers committed to sustainable soil management to become soil doctors and work directly with farmers in the field.  

Costa Rica now counts 33 farmers who have been certified as Soil Doctors, with another 90 in training. The expected final impact is the direct training of approximately 270 farmers, of whom an estimated 45 will be women and 225 men, thereby strengthening productive capacities across the country. 

Geographical coverage and practical approach 

The training takes place in various strategic areas across the country, covering a range of production systems and soil types. 

Module 1, "What is soil - How to minimise soil acidification", began in June 2023 and is still ongoing. The module combines theoretical sessions with practical field activities and covers core topics such as soil structure, soil biodiversity, and strategies to reduce degradation processes such as acidification, a recurring problem in many of the country's agricultural systems. 

Impact on sustainability and productivity 

During the ceremony and discussion, the Soil Doctors and farmers shared experiences that reflect concrete changes in the way they now understand and manage their farms.  

Several producers reported that, for the first time, they were able to directly identify problems such as compaction, low infiltration, or loss of soil structure in the field, using simple but revealing tools. As one farmer explained: "I used to think my crops were failing because of the seeds or the weather. But when I learned to check the soil myself, I finally understood the real issue: my soil was compacted and the water wasn’t getting through. It felt like the soil had been trying to convey something to me for years, but I just hadn't known how to recognize the signs”.

Building on this new knowledge, participants noted that they began to make gradual adjustments to their management practices, such as improving soil cover, reducing unnecessary interventions, or paying closer attention to water management on the farm.  

One element that was repeatedly mentioned by participants was the impact of the farmer-to-farmer training approach. Learning from real experiences shared by colleagues facing similar conditions generated confidence and motivation, strengthening knowledge exchange and a sense of shared responsibility.