Today in Costa Rice we had the opportunity to explore two very different yet equally intriguing corners of the country’s agricultural landscape. One being the Doka Coffee Plantation and the other being a local strawberry farm. Each location offered a window into the lens of agriculture. While both farms share connections to the land and culture their atmospheres, conditions, and technology could not be more different.

After a long and tiring bus ride, we finally arrived at the Doka Coffee Plantation, one of the largest and most respected coffee plantations in Costa Rica. Nestled on the fertile slopes of a volcano, Doka is an excellent example of how Costa Rica’s unique geography and climate contribute to coffee production. During the tour, we were guided through every step of the coffee-making process, from planting and harvesting to drying and roasting. We learned that coffee thrives in volcanic soil and grows best in between the rainy and dry seasons. One particularly interesting technique used by the farmers involves pruning the coffee trees. Harvesters will alternate pruning every two rows of plants to optimize growth of the coffee cherries. One surprising fact we discovered was just how long-lasting coffee plants can be. Some plants can live up to 100 years. Although, they produce the most fruit in their early decades, the resilience and longevity of these plants reflect the traditions of coffee cultivation in Costa Rica.

After our tour of Doka, we made our way to a nearby local strawberry farm. Despite being entirely different crops, there were some striking similarities between the coffee plantation and the strawberry fields. Both farms rely heavily on optimal growing conditions, especially the use of volcanic soil. The soil not only enhances the flavor of both strawberries and coffee beans but also plays a key role in supporting healthy plant growth. Another shared challenge for both farms is managing humidity and fungus. This can damage crops if not carefully controlled. Farmers at both locations must stay vigilant, using sustainable practices to protect their plants. Additionally, both farms make efficient use of their natural resources. Some of these include implementing irrigation systems, using water-powered tools, and repurposing byproducts, like the coffee parchment used during the roasting process.

However, there are also notable differences. Unlike the long-living coffee plants, which can survive for up to 100 years, strawberry plants have a much shorter lifespan of only two years. When it comes to rainfall, strawberries are far more resilient. The strawberry fields benefit from the irrigation systems that help regulate water intake. The coffee farms are more vulnerable when excess rain can lead to mold, loss of crops, and the need to cover drying beans or remove plants entirely.