Francini’s farm grows many different tropical fruits and plants from bananas, black pepper, and coconuts to turmeric and much more. As we explored the different crops on Francini’s farm today, I noticed subtle but meaningful differences in how each one is grown and harvested. Bananas, for example, are grown in bunches on tall plants and require careful handling to avoid bruising. Black pepper, on the other hand, is a vine that climbs up support posts or trees and must be picked carefully by hand as the peppercorns ripen. Coconuts grow high up in tall palms and often require climbing or special tools to harvest, while turmeric grows underground and has to be dug up carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Each crop demands its own kind of attention and care, and it’s clear that Francini and others here have deep knowledge passed down through generations.

However, access to funding is a barrier for someone in Costa Rica trying to start a business in agriculture, tourism, or build economic partnerships. Many rural entrepreneurs have difficulty investing in land, equipment, or marketing. Government challenges such as permits and regulations can slow down the process and be overwhelming or hard to navigate, especially for first-time business owners. Additionally, many small-scale farmers face limitations in accessing international markets due to a lack of connections. Despite these challenges, the community around Francini plays a big role in helping people like her succeed. Francini is also supported by local networks that promote agrotourism which help to connect her farm to visiting groups like ours, and in turn, allowing her to reinvest in her land and her people.