Costa Rica centers itself on community and sustainability, and Los Pinos exemplifies this better than most. The dairy cooperative, one of the largest in the country, follows a model that involves small farmers sharing resources and decision-making power in the production of their products. Starting with only 25 farmers and a focus on high-quality feed to produce premium milk, the cooperative has now grown to over 1,300 farmers across the country. Through prioritizing what farmers want and need, the country is able to sell and export high-quality products while supporting the economic and social well-being of its people.

With my group project focused on social enterprise and community, Los Pinos was a fitting visit. They demonstrate these values through how they treat their farmers and prioritize the quality of their products, focusing on how the farming community as a whole can benefit rather than shareholders. Although Kyndryl fosters community internationally through its wide network of employees across the globe, Los Pinos embodies Costa Rica’s values through its cooperative business model, showcasing sustainability and community through both its people and its products.