Promoting organic product certification in Costa Rica
• With support from the European Union, Germany’s KfW Development Bank and CABEI, a cooperation agreement was signed with the AAMOR Association.
• The initiative will enable the creation of a systematic agroecological production certification and evaluation platform denominated the, "Green Fair Seal", which will differentiate and promote fresh and processed organic products.
San José, March 23, 2017- .The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), which is the executing entity of the Initiative for the Development of Business Ideas and Acceleration of Central American MSMEs (DINAMICA), signed a non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreement in the amount of US$43,000.00 with the Costa Rican Association, “Asociación Amantes de lo Orgánico (AAMOR).”
The agreement promotes the support provided by AAMOR as a Dynamic Business Development Center (CDED) to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agroecological sector, prioritizing the implementation of a project that involves the structuring of innovative evaluation systems and distinction parameters for organic production practices in Costa Rica; these are strictly in line with international standards with regard to fresh and processed organic products.
CABEI Director for Costa Rica, Mr. Alberto Cortes stated that, "In the framework of its commitment to strengthen Central America’s developmental sustainability, CABEI has been involved in interventions that favor sustainable agricultural activity, promote the creation of adequate organic farming mechanisms and obtain international organic certifications. This will enable national producers (young and innovative MSMEs) to demonstrate that their products are different than conventional ones, while at the same time improving consumer confidence."
This technical cooperation seeks to promote a culture of access to information on "organic products;" educate customers and farmers regarding agroecological production and management technologies; improve marketing channels; and introduce the organic product into segments of companies and institutions, as part of a regional approach to raise awareness on the ecological balance between MSMEs and consumers.
