Organic and Sustainable Farming Project (Atenas)

• Work alongside locals to promote organic and sustainable agriculture
• Learn about organic and sustainable farming practices with a local cooperative
• Immerse in the Costa Rican way of life through safe, carefully-screened homestays
• Be part of the lush and fertile landscapes in Costa Rica

Think Costa Rica is all about its rich, tropical rainforests and plentiful biodiversity? Think again. Costa Rica has been blessed with exceptionally fertile soil. Together with the moist, temperate climate, the farmers have witnessed prosperous harvest for many years. However, with the increased use of imported seeds and harmful chemicals, and lesser use of organic seeds, the soil has become damaged. This is why it is essential to re-introduce organic farming which will encourage the healthy regeneration of damaged soil. New Hope works with local cooperative, Coopeatenas, which strives to convert more local farmers to practice sustainable and organic farming. Volunteer in Costa Rica now, enjoy nature’s best backdrops while safekeeping the livelihood of the local farmers in years to come.

Volunteer’s Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the Organic and Sustainable Farming Project, you will be working with a local cooperative, Coopeatenas, and also the local farmers. A majority of your time will be spent with coffee farmers in an outdoor setting. Depending on the individual’s skills and expertise, and the needs of the local staff, your daily duties include but are not limited to:

• Work with farmers to set up new agricultural systems
• Take part in awareness seminars, programs, interviews and surveys
• Work on farms to learn about the agriculture methods
• Introduce agriculture alternatives to local farmers for sustainable farming
• Learning and sharing information on organic practices
• Helping farmers with a variety of work, including picking coffee

How You Can Make a Difference

By volunteering in Costa Rica, you’ll be working with local farmers to learn the farming practices, teach new farming alternatives, and also approach farms with the hope of possibly converting them to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture practices. By showing the local farms on the positive impacts of organic farming, not only will you play a part in fertile Costa Rica, you’ll also be saving the breadbasket of the farmers, who will be able to grow healthier, and more abundant crops. You’ll also be helping the local initiative reach their goals at increased organic farming quicker too. You’ll also be able to learn about organic and sustainable agriculture, along with invaluable hands-on experience.

Skills and Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications needed to join the project in Costa Rica beyond a preferred basic/intermediate fluency in Spanish. If you cannot speak Spanish, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Studies program. Please note that many of the projects are quite physical, therefore conservation volunteers must be in good physical shape. A volunteer should be enthusiastic and a self-starter, yet able to follow directions well.

Project Location

The project is located in Atenas, just west of San José in the Province Alajuela. The little town of Atenas offers a slice of quintessential small town Costa Rican life with just 5,000 inhabitants (25,000 including the suburbs). Atenas is most popularly known as having the "best climate in the world". If you are in search of a tranquil, small town life, Atenas is just the place for you! This perfect-sized town is just big enough to provide the amenities you crave for but small enough to preserve a strong sense of community. Owing to the superb climate, this town is teeming with bio-diversity. From Atenas, you will be greeted by charming views of the surrounding coffee and sugarcane plantations as well as forested valleys. Cafes and restaurants located within the central park serve some of Costa Rica's delicious cuisine including the toronjas rellenas (stuffed grapefruits), which are a popular local dessert. Nearby shops and markets are very good places to purchase souvenirs such as handcrafted jewelery or traditional Costa Rican clothing. Located just east of Atenas, volunteers can also visit La Garita. It is to home to Zoo Ave, a wildlife rescue and breeding center, and also has a plant nursery nearby that sells exotic plants. On weekends, volunteers can travel to Pacific Coast or further away to visit National Parks and Caribbean Coast. A trip to San Jose, the largest city, is also recommended.