Today as we head up the volcano to La Paz waterfalls, I have the opportunity to reflect on all I have learned in Costa Rica. Over the course of this trip, I have studied the relationship between sourcing in the supply chain and sustainable agriculture. Sourcing can be seen from several steps in the agricultural process, mainly the farm, processing procedures, coffee roasters and retail stores, and customers.

Beginning at the farm, I have learned that most farms and plantations in Costa Rica source labor from Nicaragua, with the exception of Sibö Chocolate. Typically, these plantations provide their laborers with benefits such as healthcare, daycare, food, and housing; however, these workers are also paid very little in return for long, hot work days. Similarly, I learned that most farms source fertile soil through biodiversity. For instance, the Banana Farm plants legumes to fertilize the soil. That being said, smaller farms, such as Life Monteverde, must still rely on agrochemicals because organic processes and research on natural pesticides and fungicides can be expensive. Farms can balance sustainable sourcing with profits by promoting agrotourism, as we saw on the banana farm, and ecotourism, as we saw in Monteverde.

As for processing, most farms source machinery from Europe. For instance, Cafe Doka sourced its washers and dryers from countries like Italy, France, and England. In relation to export, many plantations rely on plastic for packaging. Cafe Britt had tried to use biodegradable packaging, but then lost the coveted aromas that are key to the experience of their coffee. Sibö chocolate sources its packaging from the husk of the cacao plant, grinding it and then hand making the boxes.

In relation to the coffee roasters and retail stores/cafes, similar to the processing, most machinery is sourced from Europe. Companies like Cafe Doka and Cafe Britt are able to use these roasters for decades with little maintenance.

Lastly, customers for coffee, bananas, chocolate, strawberries, pineapples, and other agricultural products are sourced worldwide; fruit and coffee are globally enjoyed. Specially, coffee can tell a different story in each region. Some drink it to relax, some to focus, and some to catch up with friends. With an abundance of customers, it is important that agricultural business employ sustainable practices so that we can continue to enjoy these luxuries.