Young Leaders Discover Global Agriculture on Costa Rican Tour

In an exciting journey far from the familiar fields of Illinois, 28 of the state’s young agricultural enthusiasts embarked on the 2024 Young Leader Ag Industry Tour in Costa Rica. This international expedition, a hallmark of the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) Young Leaders Program, offered a unique opportunity to explore agriculture beyond the corn and soybeans that define the Midwest landscape.  Clinton County Young Leader Committee member Kali Michael was one of the 28 along for the trip.

The tour, which took place from July 15-23, 2024, aimed to broaden the participants’ understanding of global agricultural practices and their impact on economies and communities around the world.

The journey began with a visit to a pineapple plantation owned by a Swiss family. Here, the young leaders delved into the intricacies of pineapple cultivation, observing each stage of growth and learning about Costa Rica’s sophisticated methods of pineapple production and exportation. This experience highlighted how different climates and practices shape agricultural outputs and illustrated the global market’s intricacies.

“The tour was an incredible eye-opener for all of us,” said Perry Harlow, Young Leaders Program Coordinator at IFB. “It’s not just about seeing how things are done differently; it’s about understanding the underlying principles and challenges that shape agricultural industries worldwide. Costa Rica’s approach to pineapple cultivation is a testament to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.”

Next, the group visited Arenal Vida Campesina, a family-owned farm renowned for its commitment to conservation and education. Participants explored the farm’s diverse ecosystem, which boasts over a hundred plant species and various crops grown using organic techniques. The hands-on experience included picking tubers, fruits, and vegetables and trying their hand at hand milling sugarcane. This immersive experience not only provided practical agricultural skills but also emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Among the highlights was a tour of Arenal Lake and a visit to the hydroelectric plant that powers much of Costa Rica. The tour offered insight into the country’s green energy policies and showcased how hydroelectric power contributes to the nation’s sustainable energy goals. This part of the tour underscored the connection between agriculture and energy, revealing how renewable energy sources support agricultural and economic stability.

The journey concluded with a visit to a coffee plantation, where participants explored the global history and significance of coffee. The tour included a deep dive into the cultivation, processing, and economic importance of coffee in Costa Rica, enriching the young leaders’ understanding of one of the world’s most beloved commodities.

The tour not only broadened participants’ agricultural knowledge but also fostered personal growth and professional development.

“Our goal is to enhance the Illinois Farm Bureau experience through diverse and immersive events like this one,” said Harlow. “By exposing our young leaders to international practices, we’re preparing them to think more critically and innovatively about agriculture.”

As the tour wrapped up, excitement for future endeavors was palpable. The planning for the 2025 trip is set to begin soon, promising more opportunities for young leaders to gain national and global insights and contribute to the agricultural community.

If you’re a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18-35 with a passion for agriculture, contact the Clinton County Farm Bureau to learn more about our Young Leader Committee and opportunities to attend future Young Leaders events and activities.