Today we visited Life Monteverde, a coffee farm and sustainability education center that gave us an inside look at what life is like for a Tico farmer. It quickly became clear just how determined and hard working these farmers are. Every aspect of the farm was thought out to be as sustainable as possible, it was very inspiring. The owners of the farm goals were not just purely profit but how to improve the social and sustainable aspects as well. The farm interacts with the community and the environment, developing the community and conserving the local environment. What is their life like? It seemed to be deeply intertwined with the community. The farmers host community events, connect with the local schools and colleges, and pay higher wages. They educate tourists and locals about the importance of nature.The farm is a cultural hub.

The main challenge they face is balancing the sustainability of the business while working with nature and the community. They have to decide how to profit without harming their connection. As they really take pride in their community service and conservation efforts. They enjoy always trying to find new ways to become more intertwined with nature. With some examples being using more natural fertilizer, less pesticide, reusing biowaste, renewable energy, reducing water waste and increasing biodiversity. As technology develops it’s becoming an ever more vital role in optimizing farming systems to adept to sustainable goals.

One of the main challenges that is threatening Tico Farmers way of life is tourism, for the better or worse. As Monteverde international interest grows, more and more people are visiting the region. With the demand for hotel and amenities more farmers are shifting to providing for tourism. The profit from tourism trumps any agricultural business. Many children of Tico farmers are questioning their way of life. As it is a challenging lifestyle. Me being a city kid I would probably fall for the tourism profit, with no desire to become a farmer myself. However, would try to keep that conservation and education mentality with my property.