The challenge for Costa Rica is to decide whether to continue with unsustainable agricultural practices, or to explore other alternatives, such as the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops and other biotechnologies, that might offer opportunities to reduce the use of agrochemicals and increase yields. However, as with any other new technology, a careful consideration of potential environmental effects, including gene flow from GM plants to natural variants needs to be considered. Having a quarter of its territory reserved for biodiversity protection, and realizing that only 15 percent of the soils are adequate for agriculture, Costa Rica needs to find ways to take advantage of both biotechnology and its own biodiversity. Innovative strategies to link conservation and biotechnology should make a wise use of its biological/genetic resources, and lead the way to increased agricultural production.