Costa Rica: agricultural products rise up to 158.93% in one year

The tiquisque led the price increase at the Costa Rican Farmers' Markets with a rise of 158.93% between August 2025 and August 2026. (EFE/ Bienvenido Velasco) The tiquisque tops the list of products that increased the most in price at the Costa Rican Farmers' Markets in the past year, with an increase of 158.93%. The kilogram went from ¢1,120 (USD 2.07) to ¢2,900 (USD 5.37) between August 2025 and August 2026, representing an increase of ¢1,780 (USD 3.30) for the consumer. In addition to this tuber, green cabbage and onions also showed significant increases: the first rose 88.52%, from ¢610 (USD 1.13) to ¢1,150 (USD 2.13) per kilo, while both types of onions (dry and braided) increased 76.15%, rising from ¢650 (USD 1.20) to ¢1,145 (USD 2.12) per kilo. The tender criollo chayote, for its part, experienced an upward variation of 68.83%, raising its price from ¢385 (USD 0.71) to ¢650 (USD 1.20) per unit. During the same period, the market showed significant declines in the prices of other foods, according to El Observador based on official prices. Parafined cassava was one of the products with the greatest decrease, reducing by 45.99% and settling at ¢505 (USD 0.94) per kilo. Regular cassava retreated 33.57% to ¢465 (USD 0.86), and eggs decreased 40.10%, remaining at ¢1,150 (USD 2.13) per kilogram. Among products that experienced double-digit decreases are yardlong beans, which fell 24.48% (from ¢1,430 (USD 2.65) to ¢1,080 (USD 2.00) per kilo), and corn, which dropped 20.00% and is sold at ¢140 (USD 0.26) each. Other foods such as tender pumpkin, green celery, cauliflower, and plantains became cheaper by between 12.00% and 19.00%. In fruits, strawberries, watermelon, and passion fruit registered smaller declines. The price of the tiquisque at the Farmers' Markets went from ¢1,120 to ¢2,900 per kilogram in Costa Rica during the past year. (Illustrative Image Infobae) According to the National Production Council, the variations are due to a combination of climatic factors, supply, and foreign trade. The representative of the National Union of Small and Medium Agricultural Producers, Guido Vargas, explained to El Observador that excessive rains in the Atlantic coast have hindered planting and the use of agricultural machinery, affecting crop scheduling. He also mentioned that droughts in other regions and the presence of pests have reduced the availability of products. These conditions are compounded by the influence of the exchange rate, which impacts costs for exporters, and the inherent variability of the agricultural market. Vargas detailed that “we have had a very messed-up climate effect,” and that the inability to access the fields due to excessive rain has prevented the fulfillment of planned agricultural cycles. On the other hand, the representative of the Farmers' Markets, Edwin Vargas, pointed out that fluctuations in supply, the entry of imported products, and smuggling also influence prices. “The market is constantly changing,” he affirmed, and added that the importation and smuggling of products cause substantial changes in the behavior of local prices. The most notable variations occur in short-cycle products, such as tomatoes and potatoes, whose lower availability impacts final prices. Edwin Vargas also indicated that public policies and import controls — mentioning the case of avocados — play a significant role in price formation at the markets. In summary, the past year at Costa Rican Farmers' Markets was characterized by unprecedented increases in certain products, mainly tubers and vegetables, while other staple foods experienced notable declines. The causes combine climatic factors, supply variations, trade policies, and the dynamics of the national agricultural market.