Today’s site visit offered a refreshing look at agriculture through the lens of smaller-scale, community-driven farming. Francini’s family farm contrasted to the larger, more business oriented, plantations we had visited earlier. In comparison, Francini’s farm felt intimate and deeply personal, we were even welcomed by her young daughter, adding a warm, family-oriented atmosphere to the experience. After sharing her story and giving us a brief overview of the banana supply chain in Costa Rica, Francini led us on a tour of her farm. We gained insight into the hands-on process of banana production. We got to learn about the small bees on the farm and how each plant plays an important role in the harvest. The visit highlighted the creativity and determination that put farms like Francini’s in a competitive agricultural landscape.

Francini showed us what it takes to turn limited land and resources into a thriving business. With the help of her mother and aunt, Francini has opened her home and farm to visitors, providing a glimpse into sustainable farming practices and also providing insightful education into more sustainability practices. Her dedication to sharing insightful knowledge was epically noticed in the second half of the tour. While many of us became prime targets for the local insect population, the experience was worth it. We learned about the medicinal value of plants like turmeric, which not only offer nutritional benefits but can also be used to soothe bug bites, something we were all grateful to test in real-time! .

Despite issues such as high land costs, small workforce, and limited access to capital, Francini and others in her community have created a meaningful impact. Her farm serves as a business and an educational hub where international students learn about agriculture and sustainability. Through collaborative efforts like reforestation projects for the biological corridor, the surrounding community shows strong support for these initiatives.