Today was our last day in Monteverde and we spent it at a farm called Life Monteverde. This farm is focused on not only being sustainable just on their own farm, but promoting the same sustainable practices at neighboring farms.
We had a firsthand look at the life of a Tico farmer. At Life Monteverde, they have pigs, chickens, and goats that all need to be fed and taken care of. These animals are kept very humanely; they have lots of space and are well cared for and are used for their eggs or milk. Additionally, the methane gas that comes from the pigs' waste is used to power the house. The farmers keep the animals happy and healthy because it makes the animals more efficient, in addition to making their eggs or milk healthier.
Life Monteverde also grows coffee, in addition to many other plants (carrots, cilantro, basil, plantains, and cabbage, just to name a few), and these must also be cared for in a sustainable way. Everything in their garden was organic, which means no pesticides. They also use rain water that has been collected to water these plants.
One challenge to Tico farmers, particularly if they are aiming for organic products and sustainability, is pests. Since they can't use pesticides, they have to find creative ways to keep animals from eating their plants. Another problem to sustainable Tico farmers, is making sure that not only their farm is practicing sustainable methods, but neighboring farms are doing the same. For example, if one farm is using pesticides, that effects the neighboring farms, as well as anyone downstream from them.
The farmers that we talked to today love their animals. In addition to taking excellent care of them, many of the farmers are vegetarians because of their love and appreciation for their animals.
Life Monteverde seemed to run very efficiently and I couldn't find anything that I think they could change for the better.
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