At CRES, we believe that strong partnerships are the foundation of sustainable success—especially when it comes to supporting the next generation of butterfly breeders. That’s why we’re proud to renew and strengthen our alliance with INA (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje), Costa Rica’s national technical education institution and the only formal program in the country offering specialized training in butterfly farming.
Reconnecting After the Pause
For years, CRES had envisioned a closer collaboration with INA. Their commitment to technical training and community development aligns perfectly with our mission to support responsible, high-quality butterfly breeding across the country. However, like many other initiatives, the momentum was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, we’re excited to say that the partnership is not only back on track—it’s stronger than ever.
A Full Day of Immersive Learning
As part of their training curriculum, INA students enrolled in the butterfly breeding program now spend a full day at CRES headquarters. During this visit, they gain firsthand experience in the processes that define our work: receiving, inspecting, classifying, and preparing pupae for international shipment.
It’s more than just a tour—it’s a chance to see, in real time, the standards that shape the global butterfly trade. Students observe how species are evaluated, how quality is determined, and how breeders are supported through feedback and pricing systems based on performance.
This level of exposure helps them align their own breeding practices with market expectations from the very beginning.
A Win-Win for the Industry
This renewed relationship benefits everyone involved. For INA students, it provides context and real-world insight that’s hard to get from the classroom alone. For CRES, it helps us build early relationships with motivated, well-prepared future breeders who understand our processes and values.
We’re especially grateful to the program’s directors, who have shown great enthusiasm and commitment in making this renewed collaboration a reality. Their openness and desire to connect students with the real-world ecosystem of butterfly exports speaks volumes about the quality of the program.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: that Costa Rica’s butterfly industry can continue to thrive when education, sustainability, and quality come together. We’re excited to keep building this bridge with INA and look forward to welcoming many more future breeders through our doors.
