Starbucks Buys First Ever Coffee Farm in Costa Rica

Starbucks has made headlines not for opening another café, but for buying a coffee farm—its very first. The global coffee chain now owns a 240-hectare property in Costa Rica, marking a strategic shift beyond retail into agricultural development. This move comes as part of the company’s push to secure ethically sourced beans and foster long-term relationships with coffee growers.

Yes, Starbucks has acquired a 240-hectare coffee farm in Costa Rica—the company’s first ever direct farm ownership—to support farmers and experiment with new coffee varieties. The purchase is also aligned with their 2015 goal of sourcing 100% ethically produced coffee.

Why Did Starbucks Buy a Farm?

In a statement, CEO Howard Schultz said the acquisition aims to directly support coffee-growing families and enable Starbucks to develop new coffee blends. By controlling more of the supply chain, the company hopes to ensure sustainability and quality from seed to cup. This isn’t just about sourcing—it’s about growing.

What Makes This Farm Different?

The Costa Rican farm employs around 70 people and offers “enough land to experiment with new coffee varieties,” according to Craig Russell, Starbucks’ Senior Vice President of Global Coffee. This experimental capacity is crucial for developing unique blends and testing cultivars that can thrive under changing climate conditions. The farm’s size and location provide ideal conditions for research without relying solely on external producers.

Starbucks’ Long-Term Farmer Support Efforts

This farm purchase builds on decades of investment. Over the past 40 years, Starbucks has committed approximately $70 million to farmer loans and support programs. The company opened its first Farmer Support Center in San José, Costa Rica, back in 2004. Since then, similar hubs have been established in Rwanda, Tanzania, Colombia, and China. These centers offer agronomy training, resources, and financing to help farmers improve yield and sustainability.

Ethical Sourcing Commitment

Starbucks has pledged to source 100% of its coffee ethically—an effort tied to its Farmer Support initiatives. While the company primarily sources coffee from Nicaragua and Cameroon, owning a farm allows closer oversight of cultivation practices. This move aligns with broader industry trends where major buyers invest directly in production to ensure traceability and fair labor standards.

What’s Next for Starbucks Agriculture?

Craig Russell didn’t rule out further farm acquisitions. “We won’t exclude future needs for other similar assets,” he said. This suggests Starbucks may continue buying or partnering with farms to secure supply, test new processing methods, and develop climate-resilient coffee varieties.

How Does This Compare to Other Industry Efforts?

This move follows similar investments by other food giants. Earlier in March, McDonald’s announced a $6.5 million, five-year plan to support sustainable coffee farming in Guatemala. Like Starbucks, McDonald’s—through its McCafé line—seeks to improve bean quality and farmer livelihoods, though its focus remains on branded drinks rather than direct farm ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Starbucks-owned coffee farm located?

The farm is located in Costa Rica and spans 240 hectares. It is the first farm ever purchased directly by Starbucks.

Why did Starbucks decide to buy a coffee farm?

Starbucks bought the farm to support coffee-growing families, develop new coffee blends, and ensure a more ethical and sustainable coffee supply chain. The move is also strategic for experimenting with new coffee varieties.

How much did Starbucks pay for the Costa Rican farm?

The exact purchase price of the farm has not been disclosed by Starbucks.

What is Starbucks doing to support farmers?

For over 40 years, Starbucks has invested about $70 million in farmer loans and support programs. It has also opened Farmer Support Centers in Costa Rica, Rwanda, Tanzania, Colombia, and China to provide agronomy training and resources.

Does Starbucks already source coffee from Costa Rica?

Yes, Starbucks sources coffee from various countries including Costa Rica, though the newly acquired farm is the company’s first direct agricultural investment in the country.

Will Starbucks buy more farms in the future?

Craig Russell, Starbucks’ Senior VP of Global Coffee, stated that the company does not rule out acquiring other similar assets in the future.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Costa Rica

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