While visiting Doka to learn about coffee production, I was surprised to learn it takes at least 30 years for a coffee plant’s berries to be ready for harvesting. To me, this long process highlights just how much time, patience, and dedication that goes into producing high quality coffee. Before the visit, I did not realize the extensive process required to cultivate coffee, from planting to harvesting, and how carefully the quality is managed. I also didn’t realize the role the Costa Rican government plays and the regulations e to maintain its coffee industry. I admire their focus on quality rather than quantity. The emphasis on sustainable farming practices and hand-picking shows the deep investment Costa Rica has made in coffee and how their approach is not only about preserving flavor and quality, but also about protecting the environment and supporting local farmers. Visiting Doka gave me a better understanding of the importance of coffee to Costa Rica. It’s more than just a crop, it’s a symbol of their pride and the country’s economy, as it’s one of their top exports.

In contrast, strawberry production in Costa Rica follows a very different production cycle . Unlike coffee, strawberries can be harvested much more quickly. Strawberries allow for multiple growing cycles each year since their lifespan is much shorter. While the strawberries are also exported, they do not hold the same economic and cultural significance in Costa Rican society as coffee does. 

Despite these differences, both coffee and strawberry production reflect Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable agriculture as a path for economic growth. Visiting a coffee farm helped me appreciate the value and meaning behind a simple cup of coffee. It deepened my respect for the labor, care, and tradition that Costa Rica pours into its coffee industry. When compared to other agricultural exports like strawberries, the long, deliberate process of coffee production stands out even more as a symbol of Costa Rica’s dedication to excellence and sustainability in agriculture.