Farmers' markets in Costa Rica

There is no replacement for good nutrition. We all know that processed foods are very harmful for our body. Many diseases are caused due to poor nutrition. In fact, there is a saying: "The man digs his grave with his own mouth." This is very true; this is why I love knowing that in Costa Rica, there are many agricultural fairs serving the community several days a week.

 

The farmers' markets were founded about 25 years ago in order to create a space where small and medium domestic producers could be in direct relationship with consumers, offering fresh, quality and good prices.

 

There are so far 74 located at agricultural fairs or farmer markets across Costa Rica. What is to be expected from them? An economic and cultural exchange as well as a secure source of safe and nutritious food for all Costa Ricans.

In the farmers' agricultural producers can participate, livestock, fisheries, forestry, poultry, agribusiness and artisans, which must be authorized by a license that certifies.

you will be able to get all kinds of vegetables as well as any tropical fruit you can think of.

 

For this reason, the National Production Council is the institution responsible for regulating and supervising the National Farmers' Fair.

 

Different institutions are endorsing the modernization of agricultural fairs in order to promote best operating conditions and exchange, both for producers and for consumers who visit.

The Interagency Commission agricultural fairs (CIFA), formed by the National Board of Trade, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Confederation of Agricultural Centers and the National Council Production, have combined their interests in order to promote changes to meet the demands of consumers.

 

As part of this commitment, this space is created so that consumers and producers have access to complete and current information about the farmers' market and how to make the best use of these.

A positive factor is that all the farmers' need to have some basic services like water, electricity, health services and the platforms where products are displayed. However, some also include parking, sheds or canopies.

A requirement to be met by all the fairs held in public, is that the place must be in good condition with no holes or drains that represent any danger to the people attending.

So if you are visiting Costa Rica, be sure to come to the fair farmer.

 

Feria Del Agricultor en Costa Rica

No hay remplazo para la buena alimentación. Todos sabemos que las comidas procesadas son muy perjudiciales para nuestro organismo. Muchas enfermedades son producidas por causa de una mala alimentación. De hecho, hay un dicho que dice: “El hombre cava su tumba con su propio pico”. Esto es muy cierto, por eso me encanto saber que en Costa Rica hay muchas ferias del agricultor que dan servicio a la comunidad varios días por semana.

Las Ferias del Agricultor fueron fundadas hace aproximadamente 25 años con el propósito de crear un espacio donde los pequeños y medianos productores nacionales pudieran estar en relación directa con los consumidores, ofreciéndoles productos frescos, de calidad y a buenos precios.

Hay hasta ahora 74 Ferias del Agricultor localizadas a lo largo y ancho del país, constituyen un espacio de intercambio económico y cultural y una segura fuente de alimentos sanos y nutritivos para toda la población costarricense.

 

En las Ferias del Agricultor pueden participar productores agrícolas, pecuarios, pesqueros, forestales, avícolas, agroindustriales y artesanos, los cuales deben estar autorizados por medio de un carné que los acredita.

 

 

Por este motivo, El Consejo Nacional de Producción es la institución encargada de regular y fiscalizar el Programa Nacional de Ferias del Agricultor.  

Hay diferentes instituciones impulsan la modernización de las Ferias del Agricultor con el objetivo de promover mejores condiciones operativas y de intercambio, tanto para los productores como para los consumidores que las visitan.

La Comisión Interinstitucional de Ferias del Agricultor (CIFA), conformada por la Junta Nacional de Ferias, el Ministerio de Salud, el Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio, el Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería, la Confederación de Centros Agrícolas y el Consejo Nacional de Producción, han integrado sus intereses con el propósito de impulsar cambios que respondan a las exigencias de los consumidores.

Como parte de este compromiso, se crea este espacio para que los consumidores y productores tengan acceso a información completa y actualizada acerca de las Ferias del Agricultor y a cómo hacer el mejor uso de estas.

 

Un factor positivo es que todas las Ferias del Agricultor deben contar con algunos servicios básicos como agua potable, electricidad, servicios sanitarios y las tarimas donde se exhiben los productos. Sin embargo, algunas también cuentan con parqueo, cobertizos o toldos.

Un requisito que deben cumplir todas aquellas ferias que se realizan en la vía pública, es el de que ésta se encuentre en buenas condiciones, sin huecos o desagües que representen peligro para las personas que asisten.

Asi que si estas de visita en Costa Rica, no dejes de venir a la feria del agricultor.

 

 

Manuel Antonio and More

When my dear friends came down to Costa Rica, I had to take them to Manuel Antonio National Park. They did not know what to expect of the place, so we started the journey from San Ramon to Quepos CR., For the most part, the trip should last three hours, but we went slowly taking all the time we needed.


Before coming to Jaco  Beach on the way to Manuel Antonio, we stopped at a river famous for its crocodiles. The name of this rives is Tarcoles, They took pictures of these magnificent animals. If you are visiting and would like to take an excursion to see the Crocodiles, these excursions can be purchased at Jaco.


This place is well liked by tourists and police are guarding the movement of people walking on the edge of the bridge to see the Crocodiles. We were there about 15 minutes taking photos as you see here.


From there we traveled to Manuel Antonio, and we got to the Hotel Flor*Blanca located close to the National Park. We stayed 3 there nights; the place is very nice the owners are attentive and friendly. If you are looking to stretch your money, this place would be a good alternative to stay in. Other hotels in the area cost more.

The hotel has air conditioning and a refrigerator, and a pool where you can relax after the beach. Breakfast is included in the price. I think it’s worth it. I almost forgot to tell you that right next to Flor*Blanca hotel, there is small restaurant called “ANGEL” if you want a good burger and fries ....well, that is the place to go; Something to think about if you get hungry.

We arrived at the park the next day and paid our way in for $10.00 USD per person. That is what you would have to pay if you are a tourist. Unless you're a Tico, you would have to pay $5.00 USD. I am sorry but I personally think it’s not fair to charge tourists twice as much just because they are visiting.

 
Once you access the park you have to walk about 20 minutes before reaching the beach. The road is a stone path not very nice I must say, you'd think with all the money that they get from the tourists they would have sufficient funds to make a paved road, but no. Not so.



It is always exciting to hear the sound of the waves as we approached. Finally, the beach was in sight ... what about this beach? Well, it's a matter of opinion ... For many tourists the place is good since they have trees near the beach and swimming baths where to take your sand off.
However, for others, it's too much for so little. Each person has a right to choose what they like.


Even so, I have to give to Caesar; What belong to Caesar's; The beach does have a relaxing atmosphere. However, be careful as there are rocks on the sand bed of the beach and is uncomfortable for the feet and if you're not careful you can get hurt. That's why I recommend bringing some kind of water shoes so you will not hurt yourself.

My friend said this about her experience in Manuel Antonio: "My recent visit to Manuel Antonio national park and beach was a very pleasant experiece I enjoyed the nature preserve and the efforts to regenerate the natural enviroment. The water was very pleasant and the vista of the beach from cathedral point was magnifecent. The cultural diversity of visitors was very enjoyable.Needless to say I would recomend this park."




If you walk the sand trail you will be able clime up and find a gazebo where you can take a few photos. In the way there you will find many tourists from South America and Europe; while we were there we met people from Brazil, Chile, Argentina and some Europeans.

According to a tourist guide in the last four years, tourism has fallen sharply. Not only, because of the economic challenges that exist in the United States but by the increase in crime in places like Quepos and Manuel Antonio. If you ask me, the subject about crime its not be touch in front of visitors from other countries it will be bad for their business, so they just don’t talk about it
unless you will bring it up.

In Manuel Antonio, you can enjoy watching the monkeys jumping back and forth near the beach, of course before entering the park we were warned to be careful because the monkeys can steal your food if you're not careful. Here is a proof that this is true.

 

Overall the place is expensive; restaurants in the area are just as expensive as in the United States. Also, be careful when you pay with your credit card in restaurants since there are cases that charge more than they should and if you do not realize it you could end up paying more than you expect.

Make sure you do your mental math before you pay your bill.

You can have a good time in this place just remember to be alert and take good care of yourself