121 / 258
[
] 119
D
eep
R
oots
tion. Since the farm’s inception, training from other producers,
participation in courses offered by public institutions, and
individual learning by investigating solutions to specific
problems and challenges have been key for the continuous
improvement of results for the farm’s sustainability.
The family’s years of experience as agricultural produc-
ers and their good standing with national banking system
credit agencies are important strengths when it comes to
having credit available for increased investment to expand
their operations and supply their growing market.
Innovation has also been an important part of the
process. Through government incentives for ecosystem
services, technical advice from specialists and the continu-
ing search for production improvement information by the
young members of the family, the farm has made significant
innovations that produce a substantial economic return.
The experience of Santa Cecilia organic farm is an impor-
tant reference for many producers and technicians, both
domestic and international. It is also a living experience
for consumers of the farm’s products. The Cordero Gomez
family organizes annual workshops and field trips to share
their technical perspective on crop management, organic
fertilizer production, the production of bio-products and
to transparently demonstrate how the production process
is carried out.
As an organic farm, the family is required to keep records
to ensure the traceability of their entire process according
to national legislation. In addition to being certified organic
under National Regulation 29782-MAG, the farm has been
awarded the Ecological Blue Flag. This prize is supported
jointly by 11 organizations in the public and private sectors.
It is presented to farms that meet a standard of climate
change adaptability, which is based on best practices for the
protection and use of water resources, land conservation and
management, proper solid and liquid waste management,
the stimulus multiplier effect on neighbouring producers,
employee training and efficient energy use.
The Santa Cecilia organic farm, like many other family
farms in the country, is a clear example of success where
the combination of production factors produce positive
economic, environmental and social results. According to
Cecilia and Isidro, the key elements of success in family
farming are the workforce and family unity, the market
for the products, production knowledge, fertile soil, clean
water and the capital to extend farm operation.
Uchuva cultivation
The uchuva, or Peruvian ground cherry (Physalis peruviana), is
one of the most important crops on the Santa Cecilia organic
farm. The domestic market for the fruit is very attractive. After
researching, the family developed an innovative method to hold
the plant by its sides so that it grows upward. They have had
much success with this method during production and harvest,
which is done manually.
The Cordero Gomez family organizes annual workshops and field trips to share their technical expertise and demonstrate the production process
Image: R. Azofeifa