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Abstract
In the early 1990s Costa Rica’s production model shifted to export-led growth and non-traditional
agrarian exports (NTAEs) promotion. The overall economic strategy was based on
trade liberalisation and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. In the agriculture sector,
policies became subordinated to the overall economic model; productive conversion programmes
and rural development strongly supported NTAEs and agroindustrial growth.
Costa Rica was particularly successful at diversifying the export structure (reducing the
country’s long-standing dependency on traditional export agriculture), attracting FDI in secondary
and tertiary activities and creating significant opportunities in RNFA. This paper
discusses to what extent new production patterns, land use and ownership created opportunities
for small farmers. The paper also presents specific opportunities and problems created
for this group of producers.