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In June 2024, the Nicaraguan Institute of Agricultural Protection and Health (IPSA) issued an executive resolution to strengthen the risk mitigation measures for the monitoring and testing of GE grains.

Production of genetically engineered products (primarily cotton for seed and pink pineapples) is expected to increase in 2025 as new cotton events are expected to be approved by the National Technical Biosafety Commission.

Industry experts expect a November 11, 2023, update to the Costa Rican biotechnology regulatory framework will facilitate utilization of innovative biotechnologies and reduce barriers to common applications of modern biotechnology.

There were no significant changes to the Nicaraguan biotechnology regulatory regime in 2023. Nicaraguan biotechnology legislation lacks implementing regulations that would open additional opportunities for farmers and food processors to integrate new technologies into their operations.

Genetically engineered crop area planted increased in 2023, though it remained small and limited to cotton for seed and pink pineapples.

Though area planted with genetically engineered crops continued to fall in 2022, expanded operations of another cottonseed producer, opportunities to increase pink pineapple exports, and a new government opposed to ‘red tape’ could reverse this trend in 2023. While neither livestock nor other animal producers in Costa Rica appear interested in animal biotechnology applications at this time, a regulatory structure exists.

Despite being passed in 2010, Nicaraguan biotechnology legislation lacks implementing regulations that would open additional opportunities for farmers and food processors to integrate new technologies into their operations. However, Nicaraguan companies continue to regularly import genetically engineered feed grains and oilseed products to support the growing livestock sector.

Despite being passed in 2010, Nicaraguan biotechnology legislation lacks implementing regulations that would open opportunities for farmers and food processors to integrate new technologies into their operations. While progress on the regulatory...

In Nicaragua, imports of genetically engineered crops (GE) are limited to use as animal feed.

Transgenic seed varieties have been grown in Costa Rica since 1992. All of the seeds are exported to the United States.

Transgenic seed varieties have been grown in Costa Rica since 1992 with all seeds being exported to other countries.

In Nicaragua, imports of genetically engineered crops (GE) are limited to use as animal feed.