Technology transfer program for the production and marketing of vegetables grown in a hydroponic system under a protected environment at the Professional Technical High School of Pacayas, Alvarado.

Vegetable production has traditionally been carried out under open field conditions, where climate and other elements contributes to the proliferation of pests. This results in a high dependence on the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, increases production costs, in addition to alterations in biodiversity, and poses risks to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to implement systems that reduce the use of chemical pesticides, ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year, increase yields, and allow control of the plant’s surrounding environment. For this reason, the aim of this proposal is to implement a horticultural crop under protected conditions through a transfer program aimed at 7 teachers and 200 tenth-grade students in the Agroecology and Agricultural Production areas of the daytime modality at the Pacayas Technical Professional High School, located in the northern area of Cartago. This transfer program will consist of three phases: theoretical training to establish the foundational knowledge, the design and adaptation of the existing greenhouse infrastructure at the school for vegetable production, and post-harvest management, mainly focused on marketing and product development. The results of this project will be shared through a field day with local vegetable producers near to Pacayas Technical Professional High School, through the various communication channels of the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR), and at national and international scientific events.

Train students and teachers specializing in the areas of Agroecology and Agriculture in agricultural production during the day at the CTP of Pacayas on hydroponic vegetable production in protected environments.

Ingeniería Agrícola:
- Información y Tecnologías para la producción.
- Recursos de agua y suelos.
Ingeniería en Agronomía:
- Sistemas de producción agrícola sostenible.