US Demand for Costa Rican & Nicaraguan Produce Increases 28%

Costa Rican and Nicaraguan producers of vegetable, pineapple and different types of melon are preparing for the increased horticulture demand in the USA expected for 2010-2019. US demand will grow 28% over the next 10 years, according to a USDA Report - Agricultural Projections for 2019. This is equivalent to over 6.5 million pounds in additional produce.

This is just another one of the results of CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Costa Rica was the last of the Central American countries to approve the agreement in 2007.

Pineapple is the product most exported to the USA after bananas. The National Consortium of Pineapple Producers and Exporters (Canapep in Spanish) also expects 10% increase in export growth to Europe, their second largest market. Nearly 5,000 containers of melon (cantaloupe) alone were exported to the US in 2009 while 2,500 were sent to Europe, excluding watermelon exports.

The only complaints from the local agricultural voice is that they could take better advantage of the USDA's predictions if there were better lines of credit and infrastructure in the country.

What does this mean to foreign investors? --- That expansion from traditional real estate investment into alternative investment like energy and agriculture can be fruitful (no pun intended) for local and international interests alike. Costa Rican farmers need credit and international investment support to keep up with demand from those same countries. Credit is tight in banks everywhere, but international investors can also benefit from granting angel investor loans to established Costa Rican farmers. In turn, production and profit will flourish for all parties involved, not to mention helping to meet global demand for fresh produce and fruit.



So thank Costa Rica and Nicaragua for the fresh cantaloupe, watermelon and bananas you enjoy all summer long!

Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua Top List of Latin American Real Estate Investment Destinations

RealtyGuide.com ranks Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama as the top purchasing destinations for property in Central America.

I specialize in selling and finding property in these specific areas, in addition to Costa Rica's Central Valley for commercial real estate investors and the north west coast of Nicaragua.

2) San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - This small fishing town is firmly on the radar for real estate investors. San Juan sits in a beautiful horseshoe bay with a perfect sunset orientation.San Juan del Sur is developed considerable over the past years. From a sleepy little fishing village to the most important tourism destination on the coast. Infrastucture improvements including road resurfacing, a port upgrade and a new pedestrian walkway have followed.

4) Guancacaste, Costa Rica - This area took off with the building of the Liberia international airport. Some of the worlds biggest hospitality brand names have set up shop including the Four Seasons. The area did experience a slowdown during 2008 following the global economic collapse but has since come back strongly.

5) Central Coast, Nicaragua - This area of Nicaragua’s coastline is under 1hr from the capital city, Managua and is emerging as the country’s most important golfing area.Golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Mike Young are designing golf courses in the area and the first 9 holes of a third championship course are complete.Blue waters, crashing surf and secluded coves are the attractions here.