Canadians’ growing taste for papaya creates optimism in one of Costa Rica’s poorest cantons

(Hardyplants / Creative Commons / CC)

December 10^th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) A total of 37 producers in the canton of Parrita have managed to export 47 containers of papaya to Canada this year, compared to just three containers in 2013 – a trend that is supporting farmers and creating jobs in one of Costa Rica’s poorest cantons, Amelia Rueda reports.

The farmers, who form a cooperative known as CoopeParrita Tropical, are now hoping to conquer new markets, including Europe.

The manager of the cooperative, Victor Carvajal, told Amelia Rueda that their success lies in the quality of the fruit they produce.  “Our papaya is exceptionally sweet; we plant the Corobicí variety, which is exquisite,” he said.

The farmers’ cooperative is also creating jobs for those who most need them.  Carvajal said the packing plant employs 25 workers – 20 of which are women heads of households – and Carvajal said they hope to double their staff in 2015.

The cooperative hopes to increase exports to three containers per week in 2015.