Agroforestry and vanilla: Verstegen's project in Costa Rica

Jose Perez and Charlotte Watteyn

Jose Perez, a nature guide, and Charlotte Watteyn, a biologist, are collaborating on a vanilla agroforestry project for Verstegen. Agroforestry is the conscious combination of agriculture and forestry, with the aim of improving farmer income, crop quality and productivity, biodiversity, and soil quality. In this article, we take a look at this wonderful project, which has been running for six years.

Introducing: Jose and Charlotte

Jose Perez , originally from Costa Rica, worked for years as a nature guide in the beautiful Corcovado National Park. This park is known as one of the most diverse nature reserves in the world and attracts many tourists. Corcovado is located in the Osa Peninsula, where he and Charlotte work on the vanilla agroforestry project for Verstegen.

Charlotte Watteyn , originally from Belgium, passionately left for Costa Rica after completing her studies seven years ago as a biologist. There, she met local farmers who grew cocoa and also discovered the world of vanilla. She became fascinated by this crop and quickly realized the many challenges associated with its cultivation and production. Five years ago, Charlotte began her research project on different types of vanilla, improving its quality, and breeding new varieties. Together with Jose, she initiated practical research in collaboration with other vanilla growers. This collaboration led to a partnership with Verstegen, which has lasted for six years.

About the vanilla project

What is the goal of the agroforestry vanilla project?

The goal of their project is to develop sustainable agricultural methods that improve vanilla quality and yield. Agroforestry plays a key role in this. By combining vanilla with other crops and trees, biodiversity is increased and farmers can benefit from multiple income streams. With this project, we hope to achieve a future where our vanilla will be sourced from sustainable agriculture. This vanilla is not yet available for sale.

What motivates Jose to get involved in vanilla production?

Vanilla production motivates Jose because it offers him the opportunity to build a business that allows local farmers to earn a good living while restoring nature through regenerative agriculture. In a country where tourism and agriculture are the main sources of income, it's important to explore alternative options. Jose talks with other farmers to address problems and find solutions that benefit them all. He wants to improve not only his own life but also that of others in his community. By improving the vanilla production process, he strives to improve the quality of life for everyone involved in this project. Jose also hopes to inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

What are the biggest risks during the vanilla process?

The greatest risks during the vanilla production process are diseases, pests, and climate change. Fusarium, a fungus that attacks the roots of the vanilla plant, is the biggest problem in production. This fungus thrives in moist environments with high humidity, extreme rainfall, and flooding, and in the absence of optimal drainage, an entire plantation can be destroyed—especially during the rainy season. Insects and caterpillars can also damage the leaves and growing tips of the plant. Furthermore, climate change poses a threat to vanilla cultivation. For optimal growth, the plant requires approximately 50% shade and 50% sun, which promotes stress-free growth. The dry season is not beneficial for the plant, so creating a balanced microclimate using nearby trees is essential for successful vanilla cultivation. Vanilla's shade-loving nature makes it ideally suited for agroforestry production.

How do Jose and Charlotte collaborate with other farmers?

What began as a partnership for palm oil farmers has grown into a project that also involves cocoa farmers and now even vanilla farmers. This cooperative is working together to develop the vanilla project. Currently, 25 farmers are actively involved in vanilla cultivation. They personally visit other farmers to engage in discussions and exchange knowledge and experience. This type of collaboration is essential for successfully developing new projects and sharing expertise. By being open to each other's ideas and actively maintaining contact, farmers can gain inspiration and help each other grow.

Growing collaboration in Costa Rica's vanilla industry

In Costa Rica, there's growing interest and collaboration in the vanilla industry. While there used to be little competition, this has changed in recent years. To support this growth, Jose and Charlotte are also reaching out to growers in the north of the country. This is a positive step toward greater success and sustainability in Costa Rica's vanilla production.

About Verstegen's vanilla

Our vanilla has a rich history, allowing us to develop expertise in growing and processing it. In the future, we aim to grow our vanilla entirely in an agroforestry environment, meaning it will be planted among other crops and trees. This contributes to sustainable and environmentally friendly production. Through continuous research and experimentation, we strive to deliver the very best vanilla variety. We want to innovate the taste of vanilla with a unique product.