Our Model Farm

Finca Cristina, one of the first organic farms in Costa Rica, is a model of sustainability and organic farming. Many years of low market prices, the threat of coffee rust disease, and ever increasing chemical input demands due to nutritional imbalances signaled the need for a change. No longer able to purchase chemicals we began to put more emphasis in careful stewardship of the land.

Soil conservation through erosion control and composting, individual plant pruning, and many other time proven practices were reestablished. Basic science, common sense, and the dedication of trusted workers with shovels and machetes took the place of purchasing imported chemicals. Thus, we made the complete conversion from chemical to organic farming in 1992.

Chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers have been eliminated. No type of fungicide nor nematicide is used. Ground covers are encouraged, more leguminous shade trees have been planted, natural sources of deficient elements are added as well as liming to help counteract the high acidity levels.

The soil has recuperated its rich microbiological activity. Weeds cut with machete add to the shade litter and coffee tree prunings to create a thick mulch of organic matter which protects the soil. To this is added the tons of coffee pulp which have been composted with the help of California red worms. Soil erosion is nonexistent. Instead, we have seen an increase in humus as well as improved soil texture and an abundance of native earthworms. Soil acidity which was our principle problem five years ago is under control. The coffee plantation (cafetal in Spanish) is healthy and productive.

Join us on a walk through the cafetal!