Problem

Costa Rica faces a struggle common to developing countries in a global economy: preserving beautiful (and economically valuable) natural resources while increasing prosperity and allowing for sustainable development. The rapid transition from small-scale farming to large-scale, industrialized agriculture is taking a toll on Costa Rica’s biodiversity and the livelihood of local farmers. It is crucial that effective alternatives and strategies, such as organic farming, are developed to ensure long-term sustainability of the country's rich resources.

The Gift

Students and faculty at The School for Field Studies Center for Sustainable Development Studies have spent years cultivating the transitional organic farm at our field station in the central highlands of Costa Rica. We use this demonstration farm to test protocols with the goal of training local farmers on effective organic farming methods. Each semester, your gift will enable SFS students to provide local farmers with seeds and training to help them obtain organic certification for their crops.